Landfills are overflowing. A city produces about 4000-5000 metric tonnes of waste a day and at least 60% of it is organic. At least 70% of that waste comes from homes. One of the easiest ways to start tackling this is to segregate your waste. If you compost your kitchen scraps, you can reduce the burden on the landfill and get free organic fertilizer at your home! In part 5, we talked about organic and chemical fertilizers to help your plants thrive. In today’s blog, we’ll cover everything from the benefits of composting, the basics of how to get started, what to do when things go wrong, and a few bonus items you can compost as well. By harnessing nature's power to decompose organic matter, you can create a sustainable and fertile environment for your plants to flourish.

Nature’s Gold: Understanding Compost

Composting is a natural process that transforms your kitchen scraps and garden waste into nutrient-rich soil. This homemade fertilizer provides several benefits to your garden: 

• Compost contains essential nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus which make plants healthier and stronger. 
• Compost encourages deeper and stronger roots. 
• Compost helps the soil retain moisture.

Unlike chemical fertilizers, compost is an organic solution that nourishes your plants and benefits the environment. You know how you have to wash fruits and veggies before eating? That’s usually to get rid of any pesticides on the outside. By avoiding chemical fertilizers or pesticides, you’ll get healthier, organic fruits and veggies from your own garden.

Composting Techniques: Which Method is Right for You?

There are basically 3 types of composting that are most common:

• Aerobic (Hot Composting): It’s called aerobic composting because it needs oxygen. It is the most common type of composting that we will also cover in the blog. This involves creating layers of nitrogen-rich and carbon-rich material in a bin and turning it every so often until it composts. 
• Anaerobic (Cold Composting): The process is similar to aerobic composting, the ingredients and layering of materials are similar. But the difference is that the ingredients are kept in airtight containers and the composting takes place slowly. The decomposition is driven by bacteria instead of oxygen.
• Vermicomposting: In this method, earthworms break down the organic matter making the composting process quicker. They can also break down more ingredients.

The Journey of Trash to Treasure: From Container to Compost Pile

Part 1 Choosing a Compost Container

There are a lot of different kinds of containers you can use depending on how much volume you have and the type of composting you’re doing. Different materials can be suitable depending on your requirement as well. Some types of composters include: 

• Stackable pots
• Tumbler composter
• Large outdoor bin

A few things to consider for any type of container:

• Good ventilation for aerobic composting
• A lid to cover the top
• Drainage so the compost doesn’t get too soggy

Part 2 Gathering Ingredients: The Perfect Mix Between Browns and Greens

You’ll need a mix of nitrogen-rich and carbon-rich biodegradable material and there should be a balance between both carbon and nitrogen because it will determine how easily the bacteria can decompose organic waste. The microorganisms in the compost use carbon for energy and nitrogen for protein synthesis. A pile too high in carbon will stay cool and not break down. A pile too high in nitrogen will heat up fast, quickly cool down and start to smell like ammonia gas. Adding more nitrogen or carbon materials depending on the requirement, then remixing the pile and adding water will re-start the decomposition process. There are also some things that shouldn’t be put in the compost, but don’t worry we’ll share a list of those as well. Here’s a list of things you can or can’t compost: 

• Nitrogen-rich material (organic items that are usually green)
• Vegetable waste
• Fruit waste
• Coffee grounds
• Grass clippings
• Egg shells

• Carbon-rich (organic items that are usually brown)
• Dry stems
• Dead flowers
• Soil
• Dry leaves
• Old paper
• Filter paper
• Cardboard
• Cocopeat 
• Wood chips or sawdust
• Corn cobs
• Pine needles

• Things that should NOT go in the compost:
• Non-veg items (fish, meat, etc)
• Dairy items (Milk, cottage cheese, etc)
• Oily food items (fried foods)
• Plants that have disease or fungus
• Animal faeces
• Sticky labels on veggies and fruits
• Coconut shells (they take forever to break down)

Part 3 Layering is Key: Setting Up Your Compost Pile

Once you collect all the ingredients for composting, it’s time to get started! You can also follow along with this video! 

1. Choose a cool and dry place to set up your compost bin.
2. Tip: If you cut the ingredients into smaller pieces, it will help it break down faster.
3. First start with a thick carbon layer which helps absorb any extra liquids.
4. Next put down a nitrogen layer. If all your ingredients are super dry, you can dampen them with a little water.
5. Then repeat the process alternating carbon and nitrogen layers. Add 2-3x the volume of carbon materials to the volume of nitrogen materials.
6. Finally cover it with a layer of cocopeat or carbon layer.
7. Each week, you can check on the compost and turn it to help aerate the mixture.

Compost Care: Troubleshooting Common Composting Problems 

When you’re starting out, there are a few common issues you might face. Check out how to course correct if you face any of these common mistakes:

• Bad odor?
• There could be too much moisture. Add more carbon material to balance it out. 

• Slow decomposition?
• There might not be enough moisture or enough oxygen flow to break down the ingredients. If you turn your pile, it can help with aeration.
• There might be an imbalance of carbon to nitrogen material.
• Decomposition also slows down in cold weather.

• Attracting insects?
• Keep a lid on your compost to help deter pests.
• After you put food waste, cover it in a carbon layer.
• Try using rosemary and peppermint to repel insects.
• Moisture problems?
• If the compost is too dry, add some water but it shouldn’t be soggy.
• If the compost is too damp, add more carbon ingredients to your compost and turn it to help aerate it. Make sure there’s proper drainage as well.

• Temperature issues?
• A compost pile generally reaches temperatures of 54°C-71°C (130°F-160°F). Most pathogens die at temperatures of 54°C-60°C (130°F-140°F) if at those temperatures for over 72 hours. 
• If your compost is over 76°C (170°F) for more than a few hours, it will shut down decomposition. Add more carbon material and some water and turn the pile.
• If your compost is not hot enough, add more nitrogen material and water and then turn the pile.

Applying Compost: How to Maximize Its Impact

When the material at the bottom of your compost bin starts to look like rich dark brown soil and smell earthy. The pile will begin to cool when the compost is ready to use. 

Here’s a few tips on how and where to use your new compost:

• You can use it as mulch. Spread 2-3 inches around plants, trees, and shrubs to help retain moisture.
• You can use it with potting soil when you’re planting a new seed or plant as it is quite nutrient rich. Mix 1 part compost with 2 parts potting soil.

Saathi: A Companion to Your Compost

Once you’ve got the hang of your compost, there are other compostable items you can add beyond kitchen kitchen waste that are completely biodegradable like broken wooden combs or paper bags from the supermarket or used Saathi pads. These items may take longer to decompose, so they may have to stay in the compost a little longer than the rest of the kitchen waste, but they will decompose with time! Our pads are made from bamboo and banana fibers and are compostable as well. Our pads will also decompose along with your other kitchen waste. If you cut up the pad, it will take less time to decompose. To learn more about composting you can check out this blog where we cover all the composting basics, or this video on 73 questions about composting or search our website for more info about composting. 

Conclusion

Composting is more than just a way to upcycle your kitchen scraps or garden clippings; it’s a pathway to a healthier garden and more sustainable lifestyle. By transforming your kitchen waste into nutrient-rich compost, you’re not only reducing your environmental impact but you also get to witness and be part of the circle of life! 

And there you have it! Our 7-week gardening adventure comes to an end. From the basics of plant care to the joys of composting, we’ve covered a lot of ground. Remember, gardening is a rewarding journey filled with growth and discovery. Embrace the process, experiment with different techniques, and most importantly, have fun cultivating your green oasis. We hope this series has inspired you to unleash your inner gardener and create a thriving space filled with life and beauty. If you liked any part of the series, let us know in the comments below, which was your favorite or one thing you learned! Ready to grow happiness and healthy plants?

Continue Reading

1. Part 5: A plant whisperer’s secrets: Tips on maintaining your garden 
2. Part 2: Choosing your plant BFFs according to your needs and climate 
3. Part 4: Let’s get growing: Planting your first plant 

About the Series: Unleash Your Inner Gardener: A 7-Week Guide to Happy Plants & Sustainable Living

This fun and informative series makes gardening easy for beginners! Learn everything you need to know, from choosing plants to composting basics, in just 7 weeks. Each week covers a new topic to help you cultivate a thriving green space and embrace a sustainable lifestyle.

Ready to grow happiness and healthy plants?

Resources: 

https://scdhec.gov/sites/default/files/Library/OR-1705.pdf