What Things Can You Compost
Composting is a fantastic way to reduce waste and create nutrient-rich soil for your garden. Not only does composting help the environment by diverting organic materials from landfills, but it also provides a natural alternative to chemical fertilizers. However, knowing what things you can compost can sometimes be confusing. In this blog post, we will provide you with a comprehensive list of items that are suitable for composting.
Fruit and Vegetable Scraps
The peelings, cores, seeds, rinds, and other scraps from fruits and vegetables make excellent additions to your compost pile. These include items such as apple cores, banana peels, carrot tops or peels, cucumber ends or skins – basically any plant-based kitchen waste.
Coffee Grounds
If you’re an avid coffee drinker like many of us are in the mornings (or anytime!), don’t throw away those used coffee grounds! Coffee grounds are rich in nitrogen and add valuable nutrients to your compost pile. Just make sure not to overwhelm your compost with too much coffee at once.
Eggshells
Eggshells are an often overlooked item when it comes to composting but they contain calcium carbonate which helps balance the pH levels within your pile. Crushed eggshells break down easily and improve the structure of the final compost while deterring pests like slugs.
Grass Clippings
If you have a yard or lawn where grass grows abundantly during mowing season – great news! Grass clippings can be added directly into your compost bin as they decompose quickly due to their high nitrogen content. Remember not to add grass treated with herbicides or pesticides as these may harm beneficial organisms in your compost.
Leaves
During the fall season, leaves become an abundant organic material that can be easily composted. Shredding or mulching these leaves helps speed up the decomposition process. Leaves are a valuable source of carbon for your compost and provide balance to high-nitrogen materials like kitchen scraps or grass clippings.
Paper Products
Newspapers, paper towels, coffee filters, cardboard (non-glossy), and shredded office paper can all go into your compost bin. These items add carbon to create a well-balanced mixture with nitrogen-rich ingredients. However, avoid using glossy or coated papers as they may contain toxins that won’t break down effectively.
Tea Bags
If you’re a tea lover, recycling used tea bags is another way to contribute to your compost pile. Most tea bags are made from plant-based fibers such as hemp or bamboo which will decompose naturally over time.
Avoid Composting:
Dairy and Meat Products
Dairy products like milk, cheese, yogurt along with meat scraps should not be included in your regular backyard composting system due to their high fat content which attracts unwanted pests and may cause unpleasant odors if not properly managed.
Oils and Grease
Oils and greasy substances should also be avoided as they don’t break down easily in a typical home composter. Disposing of them separately is recommended instead of including them in the mix.
The Benefits of Composting
Besides reducing waste sent to landfills, there are numerous benefits associated with composting. Compost adds necessary nutrients back into the soil while improving its structure for better water retention, reducing erosion, and promoting healthy plant growth. Furthermore, composting helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions by preventing organic materials from decomposing in anaerobic conditions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are plenty of items that can be composted to create nutrient-rich soil for your garden. From kitchen scraps and coffee grounds to leaves and paper products, the list is extensive. Just remember to avoid dairy/meat products and greasy substances as they can attract pests or hinder the decomposition process. Composting not only benefits your garden but also contributes positively to the environment by diverting waste away from landfills – a win-win situation!