Create Compost with Homemade Magic

Introduction

Welcome to the magical world of composting at home! If you’re looking to boost the health and productivity of your garden, there’s nothing quite like nutrient-rich homemade compost. In this post, we’ll guide you through the process of making your own compost at home, step by step. Let’s get started!

What to Compost at Home

Composting is a simple way to turn organic waste into a valuable resource for your garden. Here are some items you can compost at home:

• Kitchen scraps: fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, eggshells, etc.
• Yard waste: grass clippings, leaves, small branches, etc.
• Garden waste: the spent plants from the garden, and other various organic debris that collects in the garden.
• Paper and cardboard: shredded newspaper, cardboard egg cartons, paper towels

Note: Avoid composting meat, bones, dairy, and oily foods, as they can attract pests and cause odors.

Setting Up Your Compost Bin or Pile

To start composting, you’ll need to choose a compost bin or pile that suits your needs. Compost bins come in various shapes and sizes, and you can even make your own from recycled materials. Consider the size of your garden and the amount of organic waste you generate when selecting a compost bin. Once you have your bin, find a suitable location in your yard, away from direct sunlight and strong winds.

Here are five common types of compost bins along with a couple of their advantages and disadvantages.

• Open Bins: Open bins are simple and cost-effective composting solutions. They typically consist of a wire mesh or wooden slat enclosure (which can be made of pallets) that allows for air circulation and easy access for turning the compost. Keep in mind that they are open to animals, so this is one reason why meat and dairy are not recommended. The weather can also affect the amount of time it takes for the composting to complete.
• Closed Bins: Closed bins, also known as compost tumblers, are enclosed containers with a lid (a used barrel). They offer better protection against pests and weather elements. Some closed bins have a built-in mechanism that makes it easy to turn and aerate the compost. They may need to be turned more often to ensure proper aeration.
• Tumbler Bins: Tumbler bins are a type of closed bin that is mounted on a frame with a handle or crank for easy turning. These bins are elevated off the ground, which helps with aeration and prevents pests from accessing the compost. Due to the frame and turning mechanism, these are typically more expensive than the two previous options.
• Worm Bins (Vermicomposting): Worm bins are designed for composting with the help of red wigglers or other composting worms. These bins have a multi-layered design that allows worms to move between layers, breaking down organic waste into nutrient-rich vermicompost. Worm bins can be used indoors, making them suitable for small spaces or urban environments. Requires regular feeding and maintenance of the worm population which if managed properly may produce odors.
• Bokashi Bins: Bokashi bins are a type of composting system that uses anaerobic fermentation to break down organic waste. Bokashi bins are typically small, airtight containers that use an inoculated bran to accelerate the fermentation process. This method is particularly useful for composting kitchen scraps, including meat and dairy. This method can be used indoors, making it suitable for small spaces or urban environments. However, it is important to note that the liquid byproduct (Bokashi tea) that is produced during the fermentation process is a valuable nutrient-rich liquid that can be used to fertilize plants. So, while it needs to be drained regularly, it can be seen as an additional benefit rather than a disadvantage.

The Composting Process

Composting is a natural process that involves the breakdown of organic matter into nutrient-rich soil. The process begins by layering organic materials, such as kitchen scraps, yard waste, and other organic matter, in a compost bin or pile. Over time, microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, break down these materials into smaller particles. This activity generates heat, causing the compost pile to warm up. The heat produced during composting is a crucial factor in accelerating the decomposition process, as it helps to speed up the activity of the microorganisms. As the materials break down, they release carbon dioxide, water, and heat, causing the temperature in the compost pile to rise. This increased temperature further stimulates microbial activity, leading to faster decomposition. To maintain the composting process, it’s important to turn the compost regularly to aerate it and to ensure that the materials are decomposing evenly. The compost is ready when it is dark, crumbly, and has a pleasant earthy smell, typically after several weeks to several months.

Here’s How to Make Homemade Compost

Layering

The layers of organic matter in composting typically include green materials (nitrogen-rich), such as kitchen scraps and grass clippings, and brown materials (carbon-rich), such as leaves and straw. Start by adding a layer of brown material to your compost bin, followed by a layer of green material, and then a layer of soil that inoculates the pile with the microorganisms.

Turning and aerating

Mix the compost regularly to ensure proper aeration and speed up the decomposition process. This is as simple as using a shovel to turn the pile so that air is introduced throughout the pile.

Monitoring moisture levels

The compost should be moist but not soggy. If it’s too dry, add water. If it’s too wet, add more brown materials like leaves or straw.

Using Your Homemade Compost in the Garden

Once your compost is ready, it’s time to put it to good use in your garden. Here’s how to apply homemade compost:

• Soil amendment: Mix compost into the soil to improve drainage, water retention, and nutrient availability. If you use the no-till method, this is done when the bed is made, after using top dressing to add more compost every growing season.
• Top dressing: Spread a thin layer of compost over the soil surface to improve soil structure and fertility.
• Mulch: Use compost as a mulch around plants to suppress weeds, retain moisture, and regulate soil temperature.  You can use composted bark or chipped wood for mulch, any pieces that are not fully composted will finish while giving the benefits of a mulch.

Please read my post on The Essential Guide To Sustainable Heirloom Gardening Practices for a more holistic view.

Conclusion

Making nutrient-rich homemade compost is a simple and rewarding way to turn organic waste into a valuable resource for your garden. By following these steps, you can create a healthy and sustainable garden while reducing your environmental impact. So, roll up your sleeves and start composting today! For more information on composting, check out the Composting Council’s Guide on home composting.

Note: The external link to the Composting Council’s Guide is provided as a resource for readers who want to learn more about composting at home.

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