What is composting?
Composting is the routine of breaking down organic matter, such as food scraps and yard waste, into a nutrient-rich soil amendment. The final output, known as compost, can be used to substantially increase the quality of your garden soil. Composting is the best means to reduce waste, save money on fertilizer, and help the environment.
What can be composted?
Pretty much any organic material can be composted, though, just remember that some items break down more quickly than others. Food scraps, by way of illustration, fruits, and vegetables, coffee grounds, and eggshells are all desirable candidates for composting. Yard waste like leaves, grass clippings, and twigs can likewise be composted.
How to start composting
If you’re willing and ready to get moving with composting, here are the steps you can take:
- Find a proper place for your compost bin. This can be a terrific spot for your container if you have a small balcony or patio. Just bear in mind it is in a sunny location so the ingredients will break down completely.
- Go for the best type of bin. There are many very different compost bins available, so research to decide on the one that best suits your needs. A good deal of containers is created for indoor use, even while others are fine for outdoor spaces.
- Gather your compostable materials. Most kitchen scraps can be composted, including fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and eggshells. You can certainly also add yard waste, that is to say, leaves and grass clippings to your bin.
- Add water to the bin if required. The ingredients in your bin need to be moist to break down excellently, so make certain to add water if the bin starts to look dry.
- Turn the contents of the bin often. This will help oxygenate the materials and push up the composting process.
- If the compost is ready, it should be dark and crumbly. It can then easily be added to your garden or used as mulch around your plants.
How to use compost
Compost can be used in many different approaches. Here are some ideas:
- Employ it as a soil amendment in a garden or planter. Compost can be mixed into the soil to considerably increase drainage and aeration. It can likewise help retain moisture and add nutrients to the soil.
- Use it as mulch. Spread a layer of compost around your plants to help restrain weeds and retain moisture.
- Use it as a fertilizer. Compost can be used to fertilize your plants. Completely mix it into the soil around the base of the plant.
- Use it to set up a potting mix. Compost can be mixed with other ingredients, such as perlite or vermiculite, to compose a potting mix for your indoor plants.
- Use it to easily make compost tea. This liquid fertilizer can be formed by steeping compost in water for several days. It can then be put into service to fertilize your plants or to water seedlings.
Composting is an incredible way to lessen your environmental impact and help your garden or houseplants proliferate and thrive. By exercising these very simple but helpful tips, you can instantly begin to compost at home, even if you’re renting.
Are you in the market for a new rental home – imaginably one with more outdoor space for composting and performing your green thumb? If such is the case for you, talk to one of our Dacula property managers today or view our listings online.