Composting is a powerful way to reduce waste and contribute positively to the environment from your own backyard. By turning kitchen scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich soil, you can enhance your garden’s health while reducing your carbon footprint. If you’re not sure where to begin, here are some tips.
Set Up Your Composting Area
Pick a spot in your yard that’s convenient yet out of the way. You can purchase a composting bin from a garden store. You can also make your own from wood, wire, or even repurposed materials.
Know What to Compost
Successful composting requires a balance of “greens” (nitrogen-rich materials like vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and grass clippings) and “browns” (carbon-rich materials like leaves, straw, and shredded paper). Aim for a ratio of about 2:1, browns to greens.
Avoid adding meat, dairy, fats, and pet waste, as these can attract pests and cause unpleasant odors.
Use Your Compost
Turn your compost pile every few weeks to aerate it, which helps speed up the decomposition process. Once your compost looks dark and crumbly and has a pleasant earthy smell, it’s ready to use. Mix it into your garden soil, use it as mulch, or add it to potting mixes to boost plant health and growth.