Start composting a quick and easy guide
In 2020, it was the year to take sustainability up a notch. Let’s face it, most of us were stuck at home in the middle of a pandemic, it sure was a great way to spend my “spare” time learning about composting. I’ve been contemplating composting for the past three years! I can’t believe it took me so long. I was intimated by composting, and I kept telling myself it was too much work and I was too busy. End of 2019, I started doing a ton of research on how to compost. It’s actually not that complicated. Living in Hawaii has inspired me to start gardening and composting. I now have the time, which makes plantings fruits, and veggies a no-brainer. My plants absolutely love all of my homemade compost.
I put together an easy read for you to start your compost at home.
What is composting?
Compost is simply food and plant-based that has decomposed. Organic material that, when added to the soil, can help plants grow. (I wrote an article on how to reduce food waste.) Grass cuttings and other plant remains make up more than 30-40 percent of what Americans throw away, According to the USDA.
WHy compost?
Composting is a great way to reduce landfill waste and incineration, and therefore emissions. It also reduces dependence on fossil fuels. When we throw food waste into the trash, it goes to the landfills.
What do you need to compost at home?
Composting requires a few basic ingredients:
+ Browns – Dry leaves, hay, twigs, newspaper, or branches to provide carbon
+ Greens – Produce like fruit and veggie scraps, eggshells, or coffee grounds for nitrogen
+ Water – Let’s keep the compost moist
+ Oxygen or the air that enters the bin or pile through turning
+ Macro and Microorganisms that should enter naturally through this process.
+ You can purchase a container bin or build compost in your backyard.
++ Be sure to check with your local drop-off to see what they would accept if you are not composting at home.
How long does it take to compost?
The entire process will compost in about 3-6 months. Composting anything is going to be different and largely depends on the types of foods and compostable items break down according to different time frames. Check out GreenMatters.com or EarthEasy.com for detailed information about composting.
What does the finished compost look like?
To make sure your compost is ready to use, grab a handful of dirt, look at the texture, and make sure is crumbly and smooth. The smell should be earthy and the color will be rich dark brown.
Have you tried composting before? What challenges have you faced with composting? I’d love to hear your comments below.