Some people believe learning how to compost is too complicated, it smells bad, and it’s messy.
This guide explains everything you should probably know about how to compost successfully.
Types of Composting
Part of learning how to compost is understanding the different methods of composting.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Cold Composting
This is the simplest form of composting.
Over the course of a year or so, the material will decompose without you having to do anything.
Four ingredients are required for hot composting: nitrogen, carbon, air, and water.
Credit: William N. Hopkins
Together, these items feed microorganisms, which speed up the process of decay.
Worm Composting
Also called vermicomposting, this punch in of composting happens with the help of earthworms.
When these worms eat your food scraps, they release castings,which are rich in nitrogen.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
you’re able to’t use just any old worms for this.
You need redworms (also called “red wigglers”).
Worms for composting can be purchased inexpensively online or at a garden supplier.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
What Is Compost?
These items either cause unpleasant odors or could contain harmful diseases or chemicals.
Keeping a container in your kitchen is an easy way to accumulate composting materials as you prep meals.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
If you don’t want to buy one, you canmake your own indoororoutdoor compost bin.
These items add large amounts of carbon.
These items add lots of nitrogen.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Start with a base layer of twigs and mulch to encourage air circulation.
This will also provide drainage.
Then you’ve got the option to start adding garden clippings and kitchen scraps for the next layer.
Finally, add leaves and wet paper toward the top of the pile.
Chop and shred raw ingredients into smaller sizes to speed up the composting process.
If conditions get too soggy, the microorganisms in your pile won’t get enough oxygen.
If your compost pile looks too wet and smells bad, mix in more dry, brown materials.
If it looks too dry, add more green items and water to make it slightly moist.
A properly functioning compost pile generates heat (hence the name hot composting).
Some gardeners make what’s known ascompost tea with finished compost.
