Composting for Beginners: Start Your Journey Now

Do you want to start composting but don’t know where to start? This blog post is for you! We will cover everything you need to know about composting, from what materials you can use to how to get started. Composting is a great way to reduce your waste, and it’s easy to do once you know the basics. Keep reading for all the information you need to get started today!

What is composting and why should you do it?

Composting is the process of breaking down organic matter, such as food scraps and leaves, into a nutrient-rich soil amendment. It’s a great way to reduce your waste, and it benefits both your garden and the environment. Composting helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, saves water, and reduces the need for chemical fertilizers.

How does composting work, and what do you need to get started?

The only things you really need to begin composting are a compost bin, a compost activator, and a shovel. If you don’t have a compost activator, you can use a lawnmower or snow blower to turn the grass clippings and leaves into a compost pile. There are a lot of compost bins on the market, but you have to choose the right one for your needs.

Composting is a natural process that happens when organic matter decomposes. The key to successful composting is creating the right conditions for the microbes that break down the organic matter. You need four things to create the right conditions:

Organic matter: This can be anything from fruit and vegetable scraps to leaves and grass clippings.

Air: Microbes need oxygen to break down organic matter.

Water: Compost should be moist, but not soggy.

Heat: microbes thrive in warm conditions.

You can compost using a bin, tumbler, or pile. If you choose to use a bin, there are many different types available. Some bins are small enough to fit on a balcony or patio, while others are large enough for a backyard. If you choose to use a tumbler, it’s important to get one that is the right size for your needs. Tumblers come in a variety of sizes, from small units that can compost a few pounds of waste per week to large units that can compost up to 40 pounds per week.

There are two methods of composting: cold composting and hot composting.

Cold composting is the simplest method and doesn’t require any special equipment. You can simply pile your organic waste in a bin or heap and let it decompose over time. This method can take several months to a year for the material to break down fully.

Hot composting is a more active process and requires a little more work, but it produces compost much faster. Hot composting also kills weed seeds and diseases, so it’s a good option if you’re composting diseased plant material. To hot compost, you need to maintain a temperature of at least 55 degrees Celsius (130 degrees Fahrenheit) for several days. This can be done using a special hot compost bin or by insulating a regular bin with straw or other materials.

What can you compost, and what shouldn’t you put in your compost pile/bin?

You can compost a wide variety of organic matter, including:

• Fruit and vegetable scraps
• Coffee grounds and filters
• Tea bags
• Eggshells
• Grass clippings
• Leaves

You should not put the following in your compost pile/bin:

• Meat or bones
• Dairy products
• Fats or oils
• Pet waste
• Yard waste treated with chemicals

When should you add compost to your garden?

Compost can be added to your garden at any time. However, it’s best to add it in the fall or spring, before planting. You can add compost to your garden by mixing it into the top layer of soil, spreading it on top of the soil, or using it as a mulch.

Composting tips for beginners

Start small: if you’re new to composting, it’s best to start with a small bin or tumbler. You can always add more bins as your need for compost increases.

Add a layer of browns: for every layer of green organic matter, add a layer of browns, such as leaves or straw. This will help to aerate the compost and speed up the decomposition process.

Turn your compost: every few days, turn or stir your compost pile to aerate it and help the microbes do their job.

Keep it moist: add water to your compost if it starts to dry out. A good rule of thumb is to add water until the compost is as damp as a wrung-out sponge.

Use it when it’s ready: your compost is ready to use when it’s dark brown and has a crumbly texture. You can use it to mulch your plants or add nutrients to your garden soil.

Troubleshooting common composting problems

If your compost pile is too wet, add more brown organic matter to absorb the excess moisture. If it’s too dry, add a little water and turn the pile to help aerate it. If you’re having trouble getting your compost to heat up, make sure you’re adding enough green organic matter.

You can also insulate your bin with straw or other materials to help keep the heat in. If you’re composting in a bin and it starts to smell bad, turn the pile and add more brown organic matter. This will help aerate the compost and get rid of the bad odor.

If you have flies in your compost bin, cover the top of the bin with a piece of cloth or screen to keep them out. You can also try adding a layer of brown organic matter, such as leaves or straw, to the top of the bin. Read our article on How To Get Rid Of Flies In Compost Bin.

Composting FAQs

What is the best ratio of compost to soil?

The best ratio of compost to soil is about one part compost to three parts soil. This will ensure that your plants have enough nutrients to grow.

Can you put moldy food in compost?

Moldy food is fine to put in your compost, but you should cut off any moldy parts before adding it to the pile. This will help to prevent the mold from spreading.

Can you put the newspaper in a compost bin?

You can put newspaper in your compost bin, but it’s best to shred it first. This will help it break down faster. You should also avoid putting glossy paper in your compost, as it can take longer to break down.

Can you use compost for potting soil?

Yes, you can use compost for potting soil. It’s a great way to add nutrients to your plants. You can also use compost to mulch your plants or add nutrients to your garden soil.

Can you use mealworms for composting?

Mealworms can be used for composting, but they are not necessary. mealworms require a warm and humid environment to thrive, which can be difficult to maintain in a compost bin. Additionally, mealworms reproduce quickly, and their larvae can be difficult to control. As a result, you might end up with more mealworms than you started with.

Do you need worms for composting?

Worms are not necessary for composting, but they will help to break down the organic matter faster. If you don’t have worms, you can still compost. The process will just take longer.

How often should I turn my compost?

You should turn your compost every few days to help aerate it and speed up the decomposition process. If you’re not able to turn the compost, you can add more brown organic matter, such as leaves or straw, to the top of the pile. This will help to insulate the compost and keep it warm.

How long does it take for compost to decompose?

The time it takes for compost to decompose varies depending on the temperature, moisture, and type of organic matter. In general, it takes about two to six months for compost to decompose.

Is it OK to put eggshells in compost?

Yes, eggshells are fine to put in compost. They will help to add calcium to the soil. Just make sure to crush them up before adding them to the compost pile.

When is compost ready to use?

Compost is ready to use when it’s dark and crumbly. You should be able to squeeze a handful of compost and have it hold together, but it should easily fall apart when you let go. If your compost is still wet or has large chunks of organic matter, it’s not ready to use.

What should I do if my compost starts to smell?

If your compost starts to smell, it’s usually because it’s too wet. You can turn the pile and add more brown organic matter, such as leaves or straw, to help absorb the excess moisture. You can also add a layer of newspaper or cardboard to the top of the pile to help keep it dry.

My compost isn’t decomposing. What should I do?

If your compost isn’t decomposing, it’s usually because it’s too dry. You can add more green organic matter, such as grass clippings or kitchen scraps, to the pile to help add moisture. You can also add a layer of newspaper or cardboard to the top of the pile to help keep it moist.

Can I put meat or dairy in my compost?

No, you should not put meat or dairy in your compost. These items will start to rot and smell bad. You can add them to your garbage can instead.

Can I put diseased plants in my compost?

No, you should not put diseased plants in your compost. These plants can spread disease to the other plants in your compost. You can add them to your garbage can instead.

Can I put pet waste in my compost?

No, you should not put pet waste in your compost. Pet waste can contain diseases that are harmful to humans.

Conclusion

Composting is a great way to reduce your household waste, add nutrients to your garden soil, and help the environment. If you’re new to composting, start small and be sure to add a layer of browns for every layer of greens. You can also use compost to mulch your plants or add nutrients to your garden soil.