Almost every gardener knows how important good compost is for a garden, as it helps the soil to retain the water and nutrients your garden plants need to flourish. While compost is important, the last thing you want is to purchase commercial or already-made ones, not when you can make your own at home. Composting at home is a gift that keeps on giving, as you can turn your kitchen waste and food scraps into the ‘food’ your garden plants need. If you’re new to composting and unsure how to go about it, the following tips should get you started.
- Start your compost on the ground
If you have a little bit of space to spare in your yard, clear an area bare to use for your compost pile. Starting on bare earth is a good idea because it makes it easier for beneficial organisms to aerate your compost. It’s also easier this way to transport your compost to your garden. While piling your compost, be sure to water it often. Generally, experts advise that you water your compost every 3 to 7 days.
However, how much water you should use will depend on how much compost you make. But it’s advisable to avoid using fresh water from your home for your compost, so you don’t waste drinkable water. Instead, adopt water conservation solutions such as collecting rainwater or using leftover water from your kitchen. Also, it’s better to drain your compost properly after watering to ensure that your pile isn’t over or under-watered.
- Get a decent compost bin
Unless you have enough space to create a compost heap, get a compost bin instead. Most of these bins have been designed to be compact enough for small garden spaces. After picking your ideal bin, you need to find a good spot in your home to create the compost. Ideally, a level and well-drained location are best, as it ensures that excess water in the compost will drain away easily. With your bin in the right location, it’s time to focus on your compost ingredients.
- Materials to use for your compost
Some of the best ingredients or materials to use for your compost include manure, grass clippings, dried leaves, vegetable and fruit waste, dried pet food, herbs, shredded paper, and various forms of kitchen waste. However, it would be best to avoid adding highly processed foods, as they take comparatively longer to break down. And while you can add meat and dairy waste, it may be a bad idea if your location easily attracts pests.
- Stir your compost pile
After getting the right materials to create your compost, be sure to turn it or stir your pile about once every week. Doing this makes it easier for oxygen to penetrate your compost. The best time to stir your compost is when you notice the center of the pile getting a little warm. You can use a thermometer to gauge the temperature and stir the pile whenever it reaches 150 degrees F.