Composting 101: Turning Kitchen Scraps into Garden Gold

Most homeowners know the importance of keeping a healthy garden. It starts with rich soil, plenty of water, and abundant sunlight. These are the three basic ingredients that can help any plant grow.

Spring is an ideal time to tend to your garden because of the sunny days. You can add beauty to a new or existing garden as warm weather arrives. Trees, shrubs, bushes, and grass form a healthy foundation for a thriving garden. You can plan your next lawn or landscaping project with a local company.

Sometimes, your garden could use a little extra help to grow strong. A good compost rich in organic nutrients is an excellent choice for helping your garden grow and thrive.

What is compost?

The practice of composting has become popular among avid gardeners. In recent years, homeowners have begun to see the value of adding it to their indoor and outdoor plants.

Compost is a blend of organic ingredients that are stored in a large pile. These materials decompose into a type of soil that contains minerals that help plants grow.

How to make your own compost

You can purchase a bag of compost at any hardware or home store, but making your own will save you a lot of money. All it takes are kitchen scraps, old plant trimmings, and grass bits.

The first step to making your own compost is adding organic ingredients rich in nitrogen. This includes common items like coffee grounds, fruit peels, apple cores, and eggshells. Even leftovers are good for adding enough nutrients to keep the compost fresh. Next, add greens such as leaves, grass, or weeds, then cow or horse manure.

The next step is adding "brown" material. Throwing in a few twigs, small branches, straw, or cornstalks to the mix helps turn your kitchen scraps into gold for your foliage.

The key to a high-quality compost is balance. Have an even blend of green and brown materials. If you decide to add paper, shred it first as a precaution. This will protect your compost from the harmful impact of mold.

Dry compost alone can take months to break down, or it may not break down at all. Adding water will speed up the process by producing enough moisture for fertility. Some rainfall exposure allows your compost to break down enough for nutritional value. One bucket of water a week will help during a dry spell.

Mixing the ingredients

Next, mix your ingredients at least once a month. Using a shovel, simply turn the ingredients so that everything gets equal exposure after decomposition. This ensures that every bit of your compost receives enough heat to be ready for use.

How to test your compost

Good compost should be moist and warm enough to fertilize your plants. A simple test involves checking the center to see if it's warm enough. Adequate heat keeps your compost sterile and free of harmful bacteria.

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