Composting: Turning Waste into Black Gold

Do you have a compost pile? If not, what’s stopping you. Is it space? Do you think it will smell? If done right, it shouldn’t.

Last weekend, I visited my neighbor to collect some fresh eggs. I brought along a bucket with the intention of asking for some chicken manure. After receiving the eggs, I requested some manure and was delighted when she instructed me to take as much as I needed. I filled the bucket and carried it all the way down the road, ultimately depositing the dusty manure into my compost bin (Fig. 1). As a vegetable enthusiast, I am committed to providing my plants with the necessary nutrients and compost is one of the most effective methods to do so.

Figure 1: I'm getting a batch of chicken manure. 

Composting is the process of turning organic waste into nutrient-rich soil that can be used to nourish plants and gardens. It is a natural and sustainable way to reduce waste and create a valuable resource that helps to reduce the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Whether you have a small balcony or a large backyard, composting can be done in any space, and it's easy to get started!

The Benefits of Composting

Composting is a great way to reduce waste and save money on fertilizers and soil amendments. Instead of throwing away food scraps, yard waste, and other organic materials, you can transform them into a valuable resource that can improve the health of your soil and plants. Composting also helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by diverting organic waste from landfills, where it can contribute to the production of methane, a potent greenhouse gas.

In addition to its environmental benefits, composting can also improve the health of your soil and plants. Compost is full of beneficial microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, that help to break down organic matter and create a healthy soil ecosystem. It also helps to improve soil structure, water retention, and nutrient availability, which can all contribute to better plant growth and health.

Getting Started with Composting

Starting a compost pile is easy, and it can be done in any space. Here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Choose a Location - Find a spot in your yard or on your balcony where you can place your compost pile or bin. It should be a well-drained area that receives some sunlight.
2. Choose a Composting Method - There are several methods of composting, including hot composting, cold composting, and vermicomposting. Hot composting involves creating a pile of organic matter that heats up as it decomposes, while cold composting involves simply allowing organic matter to decompose over time. Vermicomposting involves using worms to break down organic matter. The ideal size of a compost pile is 3 x 3 x 3 feet.
3. Gather Materials - You will need a mix of "green" and "brown" materials to create your compost pile. Green materials include food scraps, grass clippings, and other nitrogen-rich materials, while brown materials include leaves, straw, and other carbon-rich materials. You can also add small amounts of soil, which will help to introduce beneficial microorganisms into your compost. I make sure that I gather my leaves and put them in bags so that I can add them to my compost. I also keep a small bin to put my kitchen scraps in to make it easier to bring to my compost pile.
4. Layer the Materials - Start by adding a layer of brown materials, followed by a layer of green materials. Continue layering until your pile is about three feet tall.
5. Add Water - Your compost pile should be moist but not soaking wet. Water it as needed to keep it moist (Fig. 2).
6. Turn the Pile - Turning your compost pile every few weeks will help to aerate it and speed up the decomposition process. You can use a pitchfork or compost turner to do this. If you want your compost to cook faster, turn it more often.
7. Harvest Your Compost - Depending on the method you choose, your compost will be ready in a few weeks to several months. When it is dark and crumbly, with no visible food scraps or other organic matter, it is ready to use!

Figure 2: I am wetting and mixing my compost to help it decompose faster.

How to Succeed with Vermicomposting

Vermicomposting, or composting with worms, is a great way to turn food scraps and other organic waste into nutrient-rich soil for your plants. The best worms to use are red wigglers or nightcrawlers (Fig. 3). To be successful with vermicomposting, start by choosing a suitable worm bin and bedding material, such as shredded newspaper or cardboard. Add your food scraps and other organic waste to the bin, making sure to bury them under the bedding.

Keep the bin moist but not too wet, and avoid overfeeding your worms, which can lead to odors and other problems. I will add paper or leaves after I add vegetable scraps to reduce fly problems.

As your worms work their magic, the compost will gradually break down into a dark, crumbly material that can be harvested and used in your garden. To keep your worms healthy and happy, make sure to provide them with a steady supply of food, avoid using any toxic materials in your compost, and regularly check the moisture level and temperature of your bin.

You don’t want the worms to get too hot or cold. Many people do their vermicomposting inside the house, in a garage or under a shady area. With a little bit of patience and care, vermicomposting can be a fun and rewarding way to reduce your waste and produce high-quality compost for your plants.

Figure 3: Nightcrawlers in compost. Image by rawpixel.com.

How to Make Simple Compost Tea

Compost tea is a nutrient-rich liquid that can be used to fertilize plants and boost soil health. To make compost tea, start by filling a five-gallon bucket with water and adding a few shovelfuls of finished compost. Let the compost steep in the water for several hours to several days. Make sure you stir it occasionally in order to aerate it.

Then, strain out the solids using a cheesecloth or fine mesh sieve, and transfer the liquid to a watering can or sprayer. Use the compost tea to water your plants or spray it on their leaves. Compost tea can also be used to activate compost piles, providing a boost of beneficial microorganisms that help break down organic matter more quickly.

For best results, use fresh compost tea within a few days of brewing, and make sure to keep it aerated and out of direct sunlight.

How to Make Usable Compost in 14 days

Do you need compost fast? It’s not as difficult as you would think.

Download my infographic on how to make usable compost in 14 days >>

Composting is a simple and effective way to reduce waste and create a valuable resource that can improve the health of your soil and plants. Whether you have a small balcony or a large backyard, you can start composting today and enjoy the benefits of this natural and sustainable practice. By turning your organic waste into black gold, you'll be doing your part to create a healthier and more sustainable future for all.