Benefits of composting reach far and wide. Not only does compost feed plants with nutrients out of kitchen waste, it diverts trash from the landfill. The only cost to composting is time and the bins required to 'cook' the compost. The soil created can reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers and can hold more water than other soil types, keeping plants hydrated and healthy. Plus, plants will love it!
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First, select bins. Luckily, some communities offer composting programs where bins are provided at a deep discount, so check there first. When browsing, be sure to select a countertop bin for collecting scraps daily, as well as a main tumbler. It’s important to make sure the system chosen works for you and your lifestyle. The approach might need to be adapted as one goes along. The easier it is to use the items selected, the more you will benefit from all of the advantages to composting. Find a convenient spot for the tumbler outside, but make sure it’s away from foot traffic because it could get smelly. But, keep it close enough that you won’t hesitate to take out food scraps.
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Start the soil. Start with a handful or two of regular soil to introduce the compost pile to the bacterias necessary to kick off the process. Then, add food scraps and browns, but stay familiar with the recipe. As you add to the bin, you’ll want to make sure to have a healthy balance of browns (grass clippings, twigs, dead leaves, etc.) and kitchen food scraps. It doesn’t need to be exact, but a 50/50 ratio is ideal. Opinions are mixed, but avoiding animal products like egg shells and meat can help avoid pests.
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Turn compost components and add water, if needed. If the compost seems dry, try adding some water to moisten it. It's a work in progress, always! Once you create a few batches, you'll learn consistencies. Every so often, be sure to give the pile a turn to mix it up.
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Feed the plants. Once the compost turns to healthy soil, feed it to plants for lush, healthy growth. Compost provides plants with essential compounds, such as nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium