Composting is an eco-friendly way to recycle organic waste into nutrient-rich soil, perfect for gardening and landscaping. Here’s how you can start your own compost pile at home and understand the science behind it.
What is composting?
Composting involves the controlled decomposition of organic materials like food scraps and yard waste. This process can be done with oxygen (aerobic) or without oxygen (anaerobic). Aerobic composting is the most common method for home composting. It uses oxygen to break down waste, generating heat and reducing odours efficiently. Anaerobic composting, on the other hand, lacks oxygen, often producing methane and foul odours. It’s slower and less commonly used for home composting.
Various organisms work together to break down organic matter. Bacteria are the primary decomposers and thrive at different temperatures. In addition to bacteria, fungi, earthworms, and insects also play crucial roles in further decomposition, especially in the later stages.
Building the perfect compost pile
To build a healthy compost pile, you need a mix of "browns" and "greens." Browns include leaves, straw, and sawdust, which are rich in carbon. Greens include kitchen scraps, grass clippings, and manure, which are rich in nitrogen. Aim for roughly three parts browns to one-part greens.
Maintaining moisture is equally important. Your compost pile should be as damp as a wrung-out sponge. If it's too dry, the decomposition slows down. If it’s too wet, it can start to smell bad. Turning the pile introduces oxygen, which speeds up decomposition. Regularly turning your pile, ideally twice a week, helps maintain the necessary conditions for rapid composting.
Here’s what you can safely add to your home compost pile:
Fruit and vegetable scraps: peels, cores, seeds, and skins.
Breads and grains: including rice, flour, cereal, and pasta.
Yard waste: grass clippings, leaves, wood chips, and trimmings.
Natural fibres: cotton, wool, and linen.
Coffee grounds and tea leaves: including their filters and bags (without staples).
Paper products: newsprint, cardboard, paper plates, cups, and napkins.
Eggshells: clean and crushed.
Compost is ready when it’s dark, crumbly, and smells earthy, usually within 1-12 months, depending on how well you manage your pile.
Composting methods
The sandwich method is an effective way to build your compost pile. Alternate layers of greens and browns, watering each layer as you build the pile. In the early days, your compost pile will be very warm and might even steam, which is normal and indicates that the material is composting properly. Maintaining your compost pile involves turning it regularly to introduce oxygen and checking the temperature to ensure it stays around 60°. If the pile cools down, it’s time to turn it. Also, regularly check the moisture level and add water if it looks dry. If it’s too wet, add more dry browns to balance it out.
Using your compost
Compost is ready when it’s dark, crumbly, and smells earthy, usually within 1-12 months, depending on how well you manage your pile. Use it as a soil amendment by mixing it into garden soil, as a potting mix by blending it with other materials, or as mulch by spreading it around plants to conserve moisture. You can also make compost tea by steeping compost in water to create a nutrient-rich plant fertilizer. By following these steps, you can turn your kitchen scraps and yard waste into valuable compost, enriching your garden and helping the environment. Happy composting!
