Composting Made Easy: Simple Steps to Reduce Waste and Recycle Your Garden Scraps
- Gary Wolstenholme
- May 16
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 2
Composting is an effective way to manage organic waste and create nutrient-rich soil for your garden. For gardeners and allotment holders alike, understanding how to compost can significantly reduce landfill waste and improve soil quality. Whether you're a seasoned green thumb or just beginning, this guide simplifies the essentials of composting, making it accessible and manageable.
What is Composting?
Composting is the process of turning organic materials, like food scraps and garden waste, into a valuable fertilizer. It mimics nature's decomposition, where microorganisms, insects, and other agents break down organic materials. According to the Sheffield Tribune, 34% of our waste ends up composted, reused, or recycled, versus a national average of 42%. Increasing this helps divert a significant portion of this waste from landfills, where it would contribute to methane emissions, a greenhouse gas that is 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide.
By composting, you actively participate in an environmentally friendly practice that promotes sustainability, allowing you to reduce, reuse, and recycle your kitchen waste, plot trimmings, and other organic materials.
Why Compost?
There are several compelling reasons to compost:
Waste Reduction: Composting can drastically lower the organic waste you send to landfills. In fact, composting one ton of organic waste can prevent about 1,300 pounds of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere.
Soil Enrichment: The result of composting, known as humus, is nutrient-dense and teeming with microorganisms essential for plant health. Research shows that compost improves soil structure by 30%, enhancing aeration and moisture retention.
Cost-Effective: Making your compost saves money on fertilizers and soil amendments. Many gardeners report that composted soil requires up to 50% less water and fertilizer, leading to healthier plants and reduced costs overall.
Getting Started with Composting
Choose Your Composting Method
Several methods are available, depending on your space, time, and preference:
Bokashi Composting: This anaerobic method ferments kitchen scraps and is perfect for indoor composting. It works well for food items like meat and dairy, which traditional composting usually discourages due to odours and pest attraction.
Hot Composting: Suitable for experienced gardeners, this method involves regularly turning the compost pile to maintain high temperatures, which accelerates decomposition. Maintaining a temperature of 55°C to 71°C can help break down materials in as little as two to three weeks.
Cold Composting: If you prefer a low-maintenance approach, cold composting requires less intervention. Simply layer your materials and let nature work its magic, although it may take several months to produce compost.
Gather Your Materials
A balanced compost relies on a mix of “greens” and “browns” for best results:
Greens: These nitrogen-rich materials include fruit scraps, vegetable peels, and coffee grounds. Aim for about 25% of your compost pile to consist of greens.
Browns: Carbon-rich items like dried leaves, straw, and cardboard provide structure for the pile and help manage moisture. Make sure that browns make up about 75% of your compost.
Maintain Your Compost
To promote effective composting, keep these factors in mind:
Moisture: Your compost should feel like a damp sponge. If it’s too dry, add water; if it’s too wet, mix in more browns.
Aeration: Turning your compost every couple of weeks introduces oxygen, which is critical for aerobic decomposition and can hasten the composting process.
Temperature: If you’re using the hot composting method, keep an eye on the temperature. Aim to maintain it between 55°C to 71°C for optimal results.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with good practices, you may encounter some challenges. Here are common issues and how to resolve them:
Odour: A smelly compost pile often indicates excess moisture or an imbalance of greens and browns. If your compost smells, add more browns and turn the pile to improve aeration.
Pests: If you see pests, ensure you are not composting meats or oily foods, which can attract unwanted critters. Using a covered compost bin can also deter animals.
Slow Decomposition: This can occur if the pile is too dry, compacted, or lacks sufficient nitrogen. Ensure that the compost is adequately moist and turned regularly.
Using Your Compost
Once your compost is dark, crumbly, and free of recognizable food scraps, it is ready for use! Here’s how to incorporate it:
Garden Bed: Mix compost into the soil of your garden beds or around trees and shrubs. A 50/50 blend of compost and existing soil can significantly enhance nutrient availability.
Potting Mix: Combine compost with potting soil for container plants. This mix can boost growth and improve plant vitality.
Top Dressing: Spread a layer of compost over your lawn or garden beds. This application feeds your plants throughout the growing season, improving overall health.
Composting Myths Debunked
Several common misconceptions might deter newcomers from composting. Here are a few to remember:
“Composting is complicated.” With the right guidance and a little practice, composting can be straightforward and rewarding.
“Compost smells bad.” A properly maintained compost pile should have no odor. If it does, adjusting your balance of browns and greens usually solves the problem.
“I can’t compost if I live in an apartment.” Many methods, like worm composting and Bokashi, are perfect for small spaces.
Embrace the Composting Journey
Composting offers an excellent opportunity to recycle your kitchen scraps and yard waste into rich, usable resources for your garden. Whether you have a tiny balcony or a spacious backyard, there’s a composting method for everyone. By applying the straightforward steps in this guide, you can create a healthier garden and contribute positively to the environment.
Get started today. You’ll be surprised at how your organic waste can transform into a valuable treasure for your plants!
