Composting is a natural process that involves the decomposition of organic materials, such as food scraps, yard waste, and leaves, to create nutrient-rich compost. Compost can be a valuable addition to your garden, providing numerous benefits. First and foremost, compost enriches the soil by adding essential nutrients and improving its structure, which promotes healthy plant growth. Additionally, compost helps retain moisture in the soil, reducing the need for frequent watering. It also acts as a natural fertilizer, releasing nutrients slowly over time, which prevents the risk of over-fertilizing and damaging your plants. Composting also contributes to reducing waste sent to landfills, which helps the environment by minimizing greenhouse gas emissions.
If you're interested in starting composting, here are five easy ways to get started:
- Collect kitchen scraps: Set up a designated container in your kitchen to collect food scraps such as vegetable peels, coffee grounds, tea bags, and eggshells. Avoid adding meat, dairy, or oily items as they can attract pests.
- Create a compost pile or bin: Choose a suitable location in your backyard or garden to set up a compost pile or bin. It can be a simple pile on the ground or a store-bought compost bin. Make sure the bin allows for proper aeration and drainage.
- Layer green and brown materials: For an efficient composting process, alternate layers of green and brown materials. Green materials include fresh grass clippings, fruit and vegetable scraps, and plant trimmings. Brown materials include dry leaves, twigs, shredded paper, and cardboard.
- Keep it moist and turn it occasionally: Compost needs the right amount of moisture to decompose properly. Ensure your compost pile remains moist but not waterlogged. Turning the pile with a pitchfork or a compost aerator every few weeks helps aerate the compost and speeds up the decomposition process.
- Patience and monitoring: Composting take time, so be patient. Keep an eye on the compost pile, ensuring it stays moist and maintaining the proper balance between green and brown materials. Over time, you'll notice the compost breaking down into a dark, crumbly, earthy-smelling substance, indicating it's ready to be used in your garden.
Environmental Division
For more information, contact John McCart, community environmental coordinator at jmccart@ozarkmissouri.org or 417-581-2407 ext. 1211