What is composting?
Composting is the process of breaking down organic matter, such as food scraps and yard waste, into a nutrient-rich soil amendment. The final product, actually known as compost, can be used to incredibly increase the quality of your garden soil. Composting is among the best approaches to reducing waste, saving money on fertilizer, and helping the environment.
What can be composted?
Pretty much any organic material can be composted, but be that as it may, some items break down more swiftly than others. Food scraps, to cite instance, fruits and vegetables, coffee grounds, and eggshells are all terrific candidates for composting. Yard waste such as leaves, grass clippings, and twigs can, as well, be composted.
How to start composting
If you’re amenable and eager to hit the ground running with composting, here are the steps you can take:
- Find the ideal place for your compost bin. This can be a good spot for your container if you have a small balcony or patio. Just always ensure it is in a sunny location so the ingredients will break down well.
- Select a suitable type of bin. There are vastly different compost bins available, so research to pick the one that best suits your needs. Many containers are adapted for indoor use, while others are more suitable for outdoor spaces.
- Gather your compostable materials. Lots of kitchen scraps can be composted, including fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and eggshells. You can also add yard waste like leaves and grass clippings to your bin.
- Add water to the bin when needed. The ingredients in your bin need to be moist to break down rightly, so never forget to add water if the bin starts to look dry.
- Turn the contents of the bin as often as possible. This will help oxygenate the materials and accelerate the composting process.
- Assuming the compost is ready, it should be dark and crumbly. It can then be added to your garden or used as mulch around your plants.
How to use compost
Compost can be used in a number of means. Here are some ideas:
- Apply it as a soil amendment in a garden or planter. Compost can be mixed into the soil to change drainage and aeration. It can over and above that help retain moisture and add nutrients to the soil.
- Use it as mulch. Spread a layer of compost around your plants to help keep away weeds and retain moisture.
- Use it as a fertilizer. Compost can be used to fertilize your plants. Just mix it into the soil around the base of the plant.
- Use it to create a potting mix. Compost can be incorporated with other ingredients, for instance, perlite or vermiculite, to develop a potting mix for your indoor plants.
- Use it to make compost tea. This liquid fertilizer can be produced by steeping compost in water for several days. It can then be applied freely to fertilize your plants or to water seedlings.
Composting is an effective way to trim down your environmental impact and help your garden or houseplants grow well and flourish. By making use of these uncomplicated tips, you can very easily compost at home, even if you’re renting.
Are you in the market for a new rental home – perhaps one with more outdoor space for composting and carrying out your green thumb? If such is the case, speak freely to one of our Safety Harbor property managers today or view our listings online.