When you think or “compost”, what comes to mind? Gardening? Food phrases? Waste? Well, what comes to mind is life. We compost what was once alive and the result is to live, although microscopic, it is full of life! Spring is over us and, as they say, “the earth laughs in flowers.” I hope you consider compost as a natural way to improve life on the ground and join the laughter of nature.
What is needed to make a “good” compost?
Like humans, compost batteries need a balanced diet of carbohydrates and proteins. Materials such as dirty paper or fiber containers, branches and leaves act as a source of carbohydrates, known as Browns. The food remains, as well as grass clips, are a protein source, known as the greens.
To make rich and earthy compost, a battery requires 2: 1 or brown to the greens. Greens are typically more humid and contain nitrogen and brown are typically three and provide carbon.
How to start composting at home
To start a compost pile at home, you must start with a good balance or organic materials. Consider starting or grinding materials to boost the decomposition process.
Be sure to introduce water into the battery. The ideal saturation level is between 50% and 60% moisture; He should feel like a twisted sponge. It is also very important to mix the theme of batteries or the craft turn (depding in your compost system) every two weeks. Every time the stack rotates, check the dry conditions and add water when necessary. Mix the oxygen introducers to the battery, which allows the aerobic conditions in which the necessary microbes prosper.
Know your composting options
There are several types of composting containers, and Earth911 has explained each in detail. Your choices include:
- Tumblers: Gour containers with barrel -shaped that can turn to turn/aera. The best suitable for small to medium yards, are easier to handle thanks to the built -in Turner to harass the pile.
- Classic battery: You can build them on the floor and the fence. This option is much simpler but requires more work; You need a pitchfork or other tool to mix/turn Manuelly. The best for larger yards, batteries should be built on a flat surface to reduce runoff.
- Stationary containers: Typically made of plastic (it can be found in metal) and have a member. This method usually takes more time to compost. Suitable for small spaces, place your container on a flat surface to reduce runoff.
The materials take a good amount of time to decompose, up to 6 months or more. The moment is very variable depending on the types of organic materials that compostizes and how often he scolded and turns its batteries.
Tips for dealing with common composting problems
- Fun odors? This usultular average of the battery lacks oxygen. Add some brown and turn the battery; The introduction of more air to its battery stimulates microbial activity.
- Do they accumulate too much? If your compost does not heat up or remain fresh, spray some water, add vegetables and mix.
- Do you fly from the fruit? Stir and add leaves or grass at the top of the battery. The fruit flies are aimed at the remains of the kitchen; Dry leaves or grass dissuade them naturally.
- Pests, like rats or other scavengers? Remove meats or fatty food remains from your container. This eliminates the temptation of pests and reduces the potential to house pathogens. You can also cover the battery with a heavy layer of earth, leaves or sawdust, or use an animal -proof compost container.
Find more composting tips from EPA and Earth911.
The reward for your efforts
All the effort will be worth it when you can use the compost ended in nutrients! When the compost begins to look dark, ground -like distinguishable remains, you can pick it up and put it in the nose: if it smells like the forest floor, it is done!
Compost is nature fertilizer. It acts as a wonderful substitute for chemical fertilizers and returns life to the ground. Organic matter in compost revitalizes the soil so that plants can flourish. The compost can help in moisture retention and slowly release nutrients to the roots of the plant. Compost is a natural pesticide and helps dissuade unwanted creatures. His garden will prosper with the addition of compost to the ground.
Nourish the floor with your compost so you can enjoy summer crops … and don’t forget to compost the leftovers!
About the author
ER in Levine is the resource recovery manager at World Centric. Erin has been involved with the recovery of resources for 18 years and in the last decade it has focused specifically on sales and commercialization of completed compost. He has supported commercial compost facilities through the west coast and has worked closely with compost ultimate users, in part of the agricultural industry. ER is a certified composting professional through the United States Composting Council and a certified compost programs manager through the North America Solid Waste Authority.
Editor’s note: Originally published on May 10, 2022, this article was updated in May 2025.
