Backyard Composting is easy, fun, and a great way to enhance your garden. Composting is a sustainable practice that has been around since the dawn of civilization and is a basic component of organic gardening and farming today. Composting at home provides you with a valuable and natural soil amendment at a fraction of the cost of buying bagged compost product. Adding compost to your yard will improve soil structure, increase the soil’s water retention capacity, and hold nutrients in the soil for a longer time for plants to absorb.
Start Your Backyard Compost Pile
You can start a compost pile any time of the year, and you don’t need to have a green thumb to compost, as nature will do most of the work. Plus, you’ll have the added benefit of creating your own nutrient-rich soil that will help your plants and garden vegetables flourish.
Here are some Quick Tips to Getting Started:
- Choose a compost bin container that best accommodates your available space and budget. Often an inexpensive container made out of chicken-wire will meet your needs.
- Place your compost bin in a spot that will get both sun and shade. The sun can help heat the pile on colder days, and the shade will help keep your pile from drying out.
- Create a layer of small twigs at the bottom of your pile to help with aeration and drainage.
- Be sure to mix in equal parts of “greens” and “browns” in your pile. Too many greens (food scraps) and your pile may start to smell.
Whether you’re composting to get a high-quality, free soil amendment for your garden or trying to stop your food scraps from going to the landfill, backyard composting is an excellent step toward becoming zero waste.
You only need a few things to kickstart your compost pile while controlling odor: heat, air, and water.
- Turn Up The Heat. The nitrogen from your kitchen waste can get your compost cooking! As the pile heats up, it does two things: it helps break down the lignin (woody tissues) and kills the pathogens (“bad bugs”) that might be lurking in your old food scraps.
- Let It Breathe. You just need to “turn the pile,” which means using a shovel or pitchfork to move everything around. As you expose previously covered parts of the pile to fresh air, the bacteria will get a new shot of life and continue doing their best for the mound.
- Hydrate, But Don’t Overdo It. Your amazing compost pile will do better with the right amount of water. Add too much, and you’re left with a soggy, stinky mess. Too little, and the bacteria in there can’t survive. Remember, bacteria need air and water, just like we do.
Congratulations on your Zero Waste journey and your commitment to composting! However, if your compost pile seems to be giving you some trouble, don't worry. With a few simple fixes, you'll be well on your way to creating valuable compost, also known as "#blackgold." Here are some tips to help you troubleshoot common issues:
Why is my pile not heating up?
- REASON: You likely added too many browns (carbon-rich materials) compared to greens (nitrogen-rich materials).
- SOLUTION: Add more greens, such as kitchen scraps or fresh grass clippings. This will help balance your pile's carbon and nitrogen content, allowing it to heat up and decompose more effectively.
Why does my pile stink and attract too many flies?
- REASON: You may have added excessive greens without enough browns to create a proper balance.
- SOLUTION: Increase the amount of browns, such as dried leaves, straw, or shredded newspaper. This helps to absorb excess moisture and odors, creating a healthier environment for decomposition and reducing fly attraction.
Why is my pile still too wet?
- REASON: The pile is likely getting too much water (low-lying area, heavy rains, watering too frequently, etc.).
- SOLUTION: Add more browns to absorb the excess moisture. Additionally, consider reducing the water input by adjusting your watering frequency or covering the pile during rainy periods. Striving for a moist but not soggy pile is key.
Remember, patience is essential when composting. Observe your pile, make adjustments based on its condition, and don't hesitate to seek advice from fellow composters in your community. Composting is a rewarding process that helps reduce your carbon footprint, diverts waste from landfills, and promotes a sustainable lifestyle. Enjoy the journey, as there are no wrong ways to do it!
For more helpful tips and information, you can visit gainesvillefl.gov/recycle. Happy composting!