On a positive note, composting itself already delivers a major impact on the environment. And creating organic compost comes from a natural process that can certainly be done at home. Each year, hundreds of pounds worth of organic wastes are produced and collected from households, which are just dumped on landfills. So what better way to dispose of these food and yard wastes? Simply have these broken down into a nutritious garden resource! Practice home composting and see what a big difference it can make to your surroundings.

On a positive note, composting itself already delivers a major impact on the environment. And creating organic compost comes from a natural process that can certainly be done at home. Each year, hundreds of pounds worth of organic wastes are produced and collected from households, which are just dumped on landfills. So what better way to dispose of these food and yard wastes? Simply have these broken down into a nutritious garden resource! Practice home composting and see what a big difference it can make to your surroundings.

Stop Pollution and Practice Home Composting!

Would you believe that 1/3 of the U.S. landfills are comprised of organic wastes (these can be your typical kitchen scraps, garden wastes, etc.)?  Well, it is a fact. These scraps often contribute to the existing pollution especially when these are burnt to pieces. But with certain outdoor or indoor composting activities at home, this problem can be definitely minimized. Through composting, waste matter can be transformed into a useful organic supply. A garden resource that can help enhance both plant and soil properties.

Basics for an effective home composting: Moisture Content and Microorganisms

Whether you plan on trying out aerobic composting or worm composting, you must take into consideration 5 important elements. The first two components that you must look out for is the moisture content inside the bin, and the organisms that will be present in the system. Now if you’re looking to produce and harvest finished compost in a quicker timeframe, then you’ll have to make sure that there are microbes inside the bin (a good example of this would be red wiggler worms, good bacteria, and fungi). These microorganisms are actually the ones that will be responsible for consuming and converting organic wastes into a nutritious garden mix.

Now, the moisture content on the other hand shouldn’t be overlooked. The ideal consistency should be that of a wrung-out sponge when placed inside composting bins (should at least be in between 40%-60%). Leaving an organic bedding that is too dry may slow down the natural process. But leaving the bedding soaking wet can also deprive the compost materials from getting any oxygen.

Basics for an effective home composting: Aeration

Aeration is important as it helps expose both the compost materials and beneficial microbes to an adequate air supply. Microbes require oxygen to be able to subsist so it’s vital for these microorganisms to get their fill of air inside the system (applies for either indoor or outdoor composting). Aeration, which allows for a regular tuning and mixing, also helps reduce decomposing natural materials from producing foul odors.

Basics for an effective home composting: Carbon and Nitrogen Ratio

It is best to establish a good carbon (75%) and nitrogen (25%) ratio. Your carbon or ‘browns’ can be classified as dead plants, twigs, barks, leaves, straw, and presoaked newspaper or cardboard shreds. Your nitrogen or ‘greens’ on the other hand can be that of cut grass, animal manure (you can only use manure produced by plant-eating animals), fruit or vegetable peels, and tea bags.

Basics for an effective home composting: Temperature

The best condition for a home composting project is between 90-140 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything that goes under or beyond it may slow down the process.