I mentioned to a friend the other day that we offer compost pails. He asked, "What is composting"?
It dawned on me that not everyone knows what composting is. Here is an over view of composting.
Composting is a simple process of breaking down organic material into a rich, dark, healthy soil amendment. Composting helps divert organic materials from the landfill, and it also reduces greenhouse gas emissions that occur when materials decompose in a landfill.
Composting involves mixing brown (carbon-rich) materials and green (nitrogen-rich) materials. Carbon-rich materials include leaves, paper, straw, and cardboard. Nitrogen-rich materials include fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and grass clippings. It's important to maintain a balance of these materials in your compost pile.
One of the benefits of composting is that it enriches soil by providing nutrients for plants. Compost improves soil structure, helps retain moisture, and encourages healthy root growth. Using compost also reduces the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides, making it an environmentally friendly choice for gardening.
To get started with composting, you'll need a container to hold the materials. Compost bins can be purchased or made at home using materials such as wooden pallets or wire fencing. It's important to choose a dry, shady spot for your compost bin and to mix the materials regularly.
Composting can take anywhere from several weeks to several months depending on the materials used and the environmental conditions. Once your compost is ready, it will be dark, crumbly, and have a sweet, earthy smell. This nutrient-rich soil amendment can be used in gardens, flower beds, and potting soil to help plants grow strong and healthy.
In conclusion, composting is a simple and effective way to reduce waste, enrich soil, and promote healthy gardens. By diverting organic matter from the landfill and creating nutrient-rich soil amendments, composting is a win-win for the environment and for home gardeners. Try composting today and see the benefits for yourself!