Okay, this isn't exactly the most exciting topic, but once I knew for sure I was going to have a garden plot I wanted to immediately start composting to ensure my plants have plenty of nutrients. Although it's spring now, I started this about a month and a half ago. I'm learning as I go and I will hopefully be successful in a few months. Even if you don't have a plot for gardening, composting is great for the environment (less waste) and great for pretty much any plant you're growing (inside and outside).
How to Get Started
There are many different ways to compost: Start an open pile in your yard to allow rainwater to keep it wet and have it break down faster, but you have to manually turn it over for air. Some composters involve keeping worms which is also greatly beneficial. I opted for a tumbler seen above (https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0785GSKJ1?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title) which is perfect for a small patio. Do your research on the kind of space you have and what will work best for you and your needs. Obviously, my small composter won't readily make enough for the large plots I have so I buy some topsoil as well for nutrients. Compost takes months or even years to break down if conditions are right.
What Your Compost Needs
Every compost pile needs both "brown" and "green" components to be successful. In researching, the ratio always varies so I opted for 50/50 ratio. I decided to get a compost starter to help break down faster, but it isn't always necessary.
Some "brown" items include:
Shredded newspaper/paper (not the glossy kind)
Shredded cardboard: boxes, egg cartons, toilet paper/paper towel rolls
Dead leaves, twigs/branches and dry grass clippings (avoid black walnut as it actually prevents plant germination/growth), straw
Sawdust/wood shavings from non-treated wood
Paper towels, dryer lint
These materials break down slowly because they contain carbon which will help with absorbing excess moisture, provide structure to the compost, and keep everything from simply breaking down in a stinky, slimy mess.
Some "green" materials include:
Eggshells
Vegetable scraps and peels*
Coffee grounds
Tea bags
Weeds (not gone to seed)
Grass clippings (not sprayed)
Molded/spoiled vegetables
These materials break down quickly due to their high nitrogen and moisture content which is ideal for plants.
*Citrus peels can be used in small amounts, too much and the soil will be too acidic. Use caution with onion/garlic. They are compostable but if you have worms it can have an adverse effect if in large quantities. Make sure you're not adding large chunks or breakdown takes much longer.
You can compost potting soil/topsoil (I had some leftover from last year but not enough to do much with). Sometimes this can act as a "starter" as well.
Do not compost:
Meat
dairy
rice, pasta, anything starchy
anything with fat/oil
waste from cats/dogs (waste from cows, chickens, horses is acceptable and beneficial)
Diseased or sprayed plants
Whole eggs
Fertilizer/nitrogen
These materials do not break down well or are toxic. They can also attract unwanted animal guests, which would not go well if I decide to renew my lease. The fertilizer like Miracle Grow will be too concentrated for compost as the "green" materials have plenty of nitrogen already
How to Put Everything Together and Maintain Your Compost:
1) Everything needs to be added in alternating brown and green layers to start. If you're using a compost starter, follow the instructions on how to use.
2) Compost needs to stay moist, but not soggy. The "green" materials add quite a bit of moisture, but the "brown" will absorb a lot of it too. If possible, find a way to collect rainwater to keep everything moist or just add water if things are looking a bit dry.
3) Compost also needs to have aeration to allow everything to "breathe" properly. If you're using a worm bin, make sure there's enough holes. For a tumbler, it needs turned 2-3 times a week (same for a compost pile). In the winter, you can reduce this to once/week so the center of the pile stays warm to speed up decomposition.
4) Find a spot in your yard or patio for direct sunlight. The warmth is necessary for breakdown. I started this in early February, so it will take longer for composting to happen.
1 month after starting...still have a ways to go and it's not full yet!
6) You can keep adding all materials until you have the amount you want or until your bin/pile is full. This is when you just focus on turning the compost and adding moisture if needed. It can take anywhere from 2 months-1 year if conditions are right. If you keep adding stuff to it, you will be waiting a lot longer. Having a larger pile helps to speed up the process.
Happy Gardening!
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