Composting is certainly one of the effective ways to reduce waste and make your own organic fertilizer. What is more, it’s a cinch to do while merely using simpler tools. You can still compost your food waste, even if you’re renting a Kingfisher apartment or home. With that being said, bear in mind, there are a handful of things you must know to start with this endeavor. This practical guide will provide an overview of the practice of composting and the steps you can take to start off composting your food scraps.
What is composting?
Composting is the method of breaking down organic matter, such as food scraps and yard waste, into a nutrient-rich soil amendment. The completed product, identified as compost, can be used to spruce up the quality of your garden soil. Composting is a beneficial way to reduce waste, save money on fertilizer, and help the environment.
What can be composted?
Almost any organic material can be composted, but be aware, some items break down more easily than others. Food scraps, like for example, fruits and vegetables, coffee grounds, and eggshells are all great candidates for composting. Yard waste, for instance, leaves, grass clippings, and twigs can as well be composted.
How to start composting
If you’re ready and eager to get started composting, here are the steps you can take:
- Find a particular area for your compost bin. This can be a fine spot for your container if you have a small balcony or patio. Just be sure it is in a sunny location so the ingredients will break down thoroughly.
- Select the right type of bin. There are many varied compost bins available, so research to consider the one that best suits your needs. A lot of containers are fashioned for indoor use, while others are excellent for outdoor spaces.
- Gather your compostable materials. Most kitchen scraps can be composted, including fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and eggshells. You can, moreover, add yard waste for instance leaves and grass clippings to your bin.
- Add water to the bin where required. The ingredients in your bin need to be moist to break down perfectly, so completely make sure to add water if the bin starts to look dry.
- Turn the contents of the bin frequently. This will help oxygenate the materials and boost the composting process.
- Once the compost is ready, it should be dark and crumbly. It can then be easily added to your garden or used as mulch around your plants.
How to use compost
Compost can be used in many aspects. Here are some ideas:
- Make use of it as a soil amendment in a garden or planter. Compost can be mixed into the soil to greatly enhance drainage and aeration. It can, at the same time, help retain moisture and add nutrients to the soil.
- Use it as mulch. Spread a layer of compost around your plants to help hold back weeds and retain moisture.
- Use it as a fertilizer. Compost can be used to fertilize your plants. Completely mix it into the soil around the base of the plant.
- Use it to prepare a potting mix. Compost can be mashed with other ingredients, like for example, perlite or vermiculite, to make a potting mix for your indoor plants.
- Use it to formulate compost tea. This liquid fertilizer can be made by steeping compost in water for several days. It can then be administered to fertilize your plants or to water seedlings.
Composting is among the best approaches to drop down your environmental impact and help your garden or houseplants flourish well. By applying these simple and helpful tips, you can very easily compost at home, even if you’re renting.
Are you in the market for a new rental home – definitely one with more outdoor space for composting and making use of your green thumb? In this instance, be sure to talk to one of our Kingfisher property managers today or view our listings online.
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