Composting: maybe you’ve had it on your to-do list for a long time, but haven’t quite figured out when the best time to get started is. Well, we’re here to tell you that now is the perfect time to learn about — and start — composting! Maybe it’s intimidating. But we can do it together. This easy primer will get you started on the way to reducing your household trash by up to 30 percent.
Why compost? In addition to the above mentioned trash reduction, which is a major benefit given the state of American landfills, compost creates a rich, nutrient dense mixture that you can use in your garden or any place that you’re growing plants or seeds. It also brings new organisms to existing soil, enriching and oxygenating it. It is a wonderful fertilizer, eliminating the need for commercially prepared chemical formulas.
How does one get started composting? It’s really simple, and you have plenty of options. One way to get started is to purchase a composting tumbler. It makes the work of “turning” your compost easier, but you don’t get the benefit of having your compost on existing soil. You can introduce worms to your compost for aeration and enrichment. Another option is to create a compost pile on the ground. This is best done in a semi-enclosed area. Begin with a layer of sticks and hay to create an airspace. Alternate wet and dry layers of compost. Dry layers can include leaves, ashes and sawdust. Wet layers can include your household food scraps. Water the pile occasionally or give it access to rainwater. Otherwise, keep it covered so it does not get too moist. Turn it with a shovel or pitchfork periodically to get oxygen moving and encourage decomposition.
What can I compost? In addition to the dry items already mentioned, you can compost lots of items from your kitchen. Some include egg shells, fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, tea leaves and more. From outside, you can also compost weeds, grass clippings, evergreen needles and more.
Whether you buy a small bin or go all out and build a massive compost pile, you will do the earth a favor by putting less in the landfill and growing plants and flowers untreated with chemicals. Plus, it’s so enjoyable to watch the progress of your compost and see how it is transformed from trash to treasure!