A Comprehensive Guide to Composting: Everything You Need to Know
Composting is a simple and effective way to reduce our environmental impact and give back to the planet. It is a great way to recycle food and yard waste, returning it to the soil as a nutrient-rich fertilizer. Composting is a natural process, and it doesn’t require any special equipment or a lot of time. In this comprehensive guide, you will learn all the basics of composting, from the types of compost and the supplies needed, to the steps to create and maintain your compost bin. We will also cover the benefits of composting, such as improving soil fertility, reducing water and air pollution, and conserving natural resources. So, if you’re ready to take the plunge and start composting, read on for everything you need to know about this earth-friendly practice.
Composting is a natural process that uses organic waste materials to create compost. In the process, compost produces heat, which destroys pathogens in food scraps. Although the methods of composting are numerous, the fundamental idea is to break down and use organic materials to create a nutrient-rich fertilizer. Many cities have ordinances that require homeowners to compost food and yard waste. Depending on the type of organic waste you have, you can also create a bio-digester. This is a compost bin with a separate composter to increase the volume of food scraps that can be composted. The additional food scraps allow the compost process to work more efficiently, resulting in a more potent fertilizer.
Types of compost
Vermicompost - Organic waste that includes worms. This type of composting is an alternative to chemical fertilizers and produces a rich fertilizer that is free of pathogens. Mixed green - A mixture of green waste, including leaves and grass clippings. Mixed brown - A mixture of woody organic material, such as branches, twigs, and leaves. Compost-rich soil - A soil-like mix that can be used as a potting soil.
Supplies needed for composting
- A large, closed-bottom, airtight compost bin - You will need a compost bin to hold food scraps and other scraps. This bin should be able to hold at least 3 cubic feet of compostable material and have a lid that seals well so that critters can’t get in.
- A compost thermometer - This will let you know when your compost is finished. It should read at least 140°F.
- A tarp - To cover the compost bin while it’s being heated.
- A bucket to collect compost - This is optional, but it helps to keep the compost area cleaner.
- A shovel - You will need this to turn compost and remove finished compost.
- A watering can - To mist the compost while it’s being composted.
- Gloves - To protect your hands from the heat of the compost.
Benefits of composting
- Improves soil fertility - A well-made compost pile will add nutrients to the soil. This is especially true if you make a rich compost with worms.
- Reduces water and air pollution - Composting produces heat that kills harmful pathogens in food scraps. This process is also known as thermophilic activity, and it happens at temperatures between 140°F and 200°F. When food scraps are turned into compost, they generate heat that kills pathogens, such as E. coli and salmonella.
- Conserves natural resources - Composting is a low-impact process that doesn’t require a lot of energy or other resources.
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