MAKING COMPOST FOR BEGINNERS

Introduction

MAKING COMPOST FOR BEGINNERS: Composting is a natural process that breaks down organic materials into a nutrient-rich soil amendment. It’s a great way to reduce waste, create a stable and improved soil health thereby reducing the use of synthetic fertilizers. Indeed it promotes eco-friendly agricultural practices. This article will guide you through the process of making compost, from setting up your bin to harvesting your finished compost.

Types of Compost

Based on the decomposition process, compost can be classed into:

• Hot Compost
• Cold Compost
• Worm Compost (Vermicomposting)
• Bokashi Compost

Setting Up Your Compost Bin

To set up your compost bin, you basically need; compost bin or space, compost turner, compost aerator or stabber and compost thermometer. Set up your compost bin first, before you start composting. You can either buy a bin or make your own using a wooden pallet or wire mesh enclosure. Choose a location for your bin that is well-ventilated, accessible, and out of direct sunlight.

Compost Materials

You do not create all organic materials equally when it comes to composting. Here are some examples of what you can and can’t compost:

Compost Friendly Materials

• Kitchen scraps (fruit and vegetable peels, tea bags, coffee grounds)
• Yard waste (leaves, grass clippings, branches)
• Manure from herbivores (rabbit, horse, cow)
• Shredded newspaper and cardboard
• Wood ash

Compost Unfriendly Materials

• Meat, dairy, and oily foods (attract pests and create odors)
• Pet waste (can contain diseases)
• Weeds with seeds (can spread invasive species)
• Chemically treated materials

Adding Materials to Your Compost Bin

To create a balanced compost pile, you’ll need to add a mix of “green” and “brown” materials.

Green Materials:

– Kitchen scraps – Grass clippings – Manure – Fresh leaves

Brown Materials:

– Dried leaves – Shredded newspaper – Cardboard – Straw

Aim for a mix of 2/3 brown materials and 1/3 green materials. Add materials to your bin as they become available, mixing them together to create a uniform pile.

Maintaining Your Compost Bin

To ensure your compost pile breaks down efficiently, you’ll need to maintain it regularly. Here are some tips:

• Keep your pile moist, like a damp sponge
• Turn your pile every 1-2 weeks to aerate it
• Monitor the temperature of your pile, aiming for 130-140°F (54-60°C)
• Add bulking agents like straw or shredded newspaper to absorb excess moisture

Harvesting Your Compost

After 2-3 months, depending on the materials and maintenance, your compost should be ready to harvest. Here’s how to tell:

– Finished compost is dark and crumbly, with an earthy smell

– It’s uniform in texture and has no recognizable pieces of the original materials, to harvest your compost, simply scoop it out of the bin and use it in your garden. You can mix it into the soil, use it as mulch, or make a compost tea to feed your plants.

Conclusion

Making compost especially for beginners is a simple and rewarding process that can help you reduce waste, create a sustainable garden, and promote environmental stewardship. By following these steps and maintaining your compost bin regularly, you’ll be harvesting your own nutrient-rich compost in no time.

Happy Composting !

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