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Composting is a great way to recycle household waste and fertilize your garden. However, for beginners, the process can be intimidating. Fortunately, it’s easier than you think!
In this guide, we’ll show you how to make your own compost at home, step by step. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create your own compost and how it can improve your garden.
What is compost?
Composting is a natural process that transforms organic waste and plant matter into a rich and nutritious product for soil fertilization.
This process is achieved by the bacterial decomposition of organic matter through the action of micro-organisms as well as by the mechanization of vegetable matter.
The resulting compost is rich in nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which makes it particularly useful for fertilizing soils and enriching the soil with nutrients to promote plant growth and development.
What are the elements to compost?
Composting is an environmentally friendly way to recycle organic waste and produce a natural fertilizer for your plants. The decomposition of organic materials requires carbonaceous and nitrogenous materials.
Carbonaceous materials are rich in fiber, which makes them slightly dry and slightly alkaline. This can include newspaper, cardboard and wood. Nitrogenous materials are rich in protein and are often moist and slightly acidic. It can be grass clippings, coffee grounds, seaweed, bones, or vegetable peelings.
The perfect mixture is generally composed of 3 parts carbon to 1 part nitrogen. The presence of a little water is necessary to help the decomposition of the materials. You can also add a few earthworms to help break down the organic matter.
How to prepare compost for a beginner?
To prepare compost, there are a few rules to follow. To start, you need to find a suitable place to build it. You need to choose a location that receives an average of 4-6 hours of sunlight per day.
Next, you need to determine the size and shape of the compost pile. It is best to use a wooden or plastic structure to hold it up and prevent it from collapsing.
Before you start creating your compost, you need to mix the natural organic materials. In some areas, potting soil or soil can be purchased to help achieve a good consistency. You can also mix items such as:
- dead branches and leaves
- onion or fruit peels
- eggshells
- vegetable tops
- non-glossy newspaper
- non-chemically treated sawdust
Once your pile is ready, you can add additional organic fertilizers, organic products, or natural products to encourage the growth of bacteria and worms. You will also need to add water regularly and maintain the proper moisture level. Finally, you will need to turn the compost every two weeks to allow air to circulate and speed up the process.
How long does it take for compost to mature?
The maturation time of the compost depends on the conditions and the techniques applied. In general, the composting process takes between 6 and 12 months. If the temperatures are higher, the maturation time will be shorter.
The temperature of the compost heap must be regularly monitored because if it is too low, it will lead to a slow degradation of the organic material. An optimal temperature is between 55°C and 65°C.
In addition, the composting process can be accelerated by adding micro-organisms to the pile. If the quality and proportions of the organic materials are correct, you can add a compost activator to accelerate the transformation. The use of a biological activator is an interesting solution because it will maintain a stable temperature and promote the growth of bacteria and fungi that break down the organic materials.
Finally, to obtain good compost, it is important that the organic materials are mixed regularly to improve aeration and water circulation. By mixing the pile at regular intervals, you will encourage the growth of micro-organisms that will contribute to the faster decomposition of organic materials.
Composting is really simple and accessible to everyone, even beginners. All you have to do is gather organic materials, respect the right proportions, and take care of them regularly. You will then be able to harvest rich and healthy compost for your garden!
