What Do You Put in Compost: A Comprehensive Guide to Composting
The Basics of Composting
Composting is a natural and sustainable way to recycle organic waste into nutrient-rich soil for your plants. It not only helps reduce landfill waste but also promotes healthier gardens and supports the environment. However, knowing what materials are suitable for composting can sometimes be confusing. In this blog post, we will provide you with a detailed guide on what you can put in your compost bin.
Green vs. Brown Materials
To create an effective compost pile, it’s important to balance green and brown materials properly. Green materials are rich in nitrogen and include items such as fruit scraps, vegetable trimmings, coffee grounds, grass clippings, and fresh leaves. On the other hand, brown materials contain carbon and include dry leaves, straw or hay, shredded newspaper or cardboard (without colored ink), sawdust (in moderation), and wood chips.
Greens:
– Fruit scraps (excluding citrus)
– Vegetable trimmings
– Coffee grounds
– Tea bags (remove staples if any)
– Fresh grass clippings
– Fresh leaves
Browns:
– Dry leaves
– Straw or hay
– Shredded newspaper or cardboard (no colored ink)
– Sawdust (in moderation)
-Wood chips
Avoid These Items
While many organic items make excellent additions to your compost pile, there are some things that should never go into it due to various reasons:
No-No Items:
1. Meat products: Avoid adding meat scraps or bones as they attract pests.
2. Dairy products: Milk products can cause odor problems when decomposing.
3. Oily foods: Grease from cooking oils can disrupt the decomposition process.
4. Pet waste: Feces from dogs, cats, or other pets can contain harmful bacteria.
5. Diseased plants: Avoid adding plants infected with diseases as this may spread the pathogens.
6. Weeds with seeds: Composting weeds can introduce weed seeds into your garden.
Other Things to Consider
1. Size of materials: Chop larger items into smaller pieces to speed up decomposition.
2. Moisture levels: Keep your compost pile moist but not waterlogged; aim for a damp sponge-like texture.
3. Turning the pile: Regularly turn or mix your compost pile to aerate it and enhance decomposition.
4. Temperature range: The ideal temperature range for composting is between 110°F (43°C) and 160°F (71°C).
5. Time required: Typically, it takes around three to six months for organic matter to decompose fully.
The Bottom Line
Composting is an excellent way to reduce waste, enrich soil fertility, and promote sustainable gardening practices at home. Remember to balance green and brown materials properly while avoiding certain items like meat products, dairy products, oily foods, pet waste, diseased plants, and weeds with seeds in order to maintain a healthy compost pile effectively.
So start gathering your kitchen scraps and yard waste today! By doing so, you’ll contribute positively towards a greener planet while reaping the benefits of nutrient-rich soil for all your future gardening endeavors!