Composting has gained popularity among home gardeners as a means of reducing waste and improving soil quality in an era of sustainability.
When the process is done properly, your garden benefits from it tremendously. This guide has all the necessary knowledge for you to become an expert at composting in no time.
What Is Composting?
Composting is a natural process where bacteria transform diverse organic materials into a dark, soil-like substance called compost. This transformation holds numerous benefits for your garden’s soil, and consequently, your plants.
Composting works wonders for the overall health of your garden’s soil, which ultimately affects your plants.
By introducing organic materials that are rich in nutrients, compost has a unique ability to soften dense soil. That means that you’re improving the way it absorbs both water and air.
The compost’s ingredients cling to the soil’s clay particles, breaking them apart and creating pathways for water and oxygen to circulate freely.
This boost allows plants to better soak up and store moisture for sure, even in beds that normally dry up quickly. Compost creates a medium that’s perfect for root development and growth.
What Are the Types of Compost?
Two types of compost can breathe new life into your garden, each with its own unique benefits.
Farmyard Compost
This kind of compost is made through the natural breakdown of animal poop, bedding, and other farm waste. The final compost is full of helpful tiny organisms that can greatly enhance the fertility of your soil.
Farmyard compost is a real game changer if you have heavy, clay-dominated soil, improving its drainage and texture.
Green Manure
This type of compost involves growing specific crops and green materials and then tilling them back into the soil to decompose.
The plants used as green manure develop quickly and are sown to fill bare soil. Their foliage smothers weeds, and their roots stop soil erosion, which is why they are perfect for vegetable gardens.
They are buried while still green, passing on their nutrients to the soil and strengthening its structure.
What Are the Different Methods of Composting?
When it comes to composting, there are several methods you should be aware of to choose the best one for your garden.
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Aerobic Composting
This method to create garden compost is the most widely-used and recommended one, which completely relies on the presence of oxygen.
It is generally preferred by gardeners as it produces an earthy smelling compost with a high level of nutrients in a short time.
The key to successful aerobic composting is maintaining the ideal balance of nitrogen and carbon, as well as providing adequate oxygen and water.
In-Vessel Composting
The compost materials in this method are kept in a sealed plastic or metal container. This way, emissions are under control, while optimum temperature and moisture conditions are guaranteed.
Air is actively circulated through the vessel every few days, which allows for faster decomposition.
The finished compost is usually ready in as little as 4-6 weeks.
These systems are perfect for small spaces like patios or balconies, as they minimise odours and pests significantly.
Expert Tips:
- Choose the right size for the container.
- Always maintain optimal moisture levels.
- Balance the carbon and nitrogen.
- Chop or shred materials.
- Empty the vessel and cure regularly before use.
Aerated Static Pile Composting
This method involves pilling up the compost ingredients and using a perforated pipe to drive air through the pile.
The air is typically delivered at the bottom of the pile, keeping it oxygenated on a cycle. Usually, it is switched on for 30 seconds only. Then, it is shut off for 30 minutes and so on.
This technique is well-known for larger volumes of organic waste. Furthermore, it has the benefit of perfectly maintaining the diversity of the bacteria with the amount of oxygen it incorporates while also controlling any foul odours. The compost is usually ready after about 30 days.
Aerated Turned Windrow Composting
The third method is done by creating long, narrow piles referred to as windrows. The catch is that they are mechanically or manually turned at regular intervals to incorporate oxygen.
This type is also perfect for large-scale production of compost. Windrows can be designed with a size up to 30 ft wide, 15 ft high, and 200 ft long.
Trench Composting
Finally, this one is best suited for home gardeners. It is a simple and low-maintenance approach compared to others.
All you have to do is dig trenches or holes in the soil and bury organic materials directly in the ground. As the materials decompose, they enrich the surrounding soil.
This method is particularly useful for slowly breaking down tougher materials, such as woody stems or shredded paper.
Expert Tips:
- Select the right location for the trench.
- Dig a shallow trench.
- Layer alternating materials.
- Cover thoroughly.
- Maintain moisture.
- Avoid root zones.
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Anaerobic Composting
While this process is a bit slower than its counterpart and can produce unpleasant odours, it is quite useful for breaking down materials that are difficult to decompose.
Different bacteria are used in this method, which can endure and function in the absence of oxygen. Methane gas is eventually produced as a byproduct.
This makes this method less environmentally friendly. However, it allows you to compost materials that simply won’t break down well otherwise.
Things like meat, dairy, and oils, which can attract pests and lead to odour issues in open-air compost piles, can be effectively processed through anaerobic decomposition.
It is a valuable technique used by many gardeners to prevent certain types of organic waste from being discarded needlessly.
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Vermicomposting
This method uses earthworms for the decomposition process. The worms transform your kitchen scraps and produce castings for the soil filled with many nutrients.
It is especially rewarding if you have limited space, as the compact bins can be placed anywhere you want. Plus, the process is completely odour-free, which is always a win.
When it comes to feeding, they thrive on non-acidic fruits and veggies, cooked grains, crushed eggshells, or fallen leaves. These will provide them with the essential nutrients and moisture required.
Of course, it’s important to be mindful of what not to add, as some items like oily foods, dairy, and meat can disturb the delicate balance of the composting environment.
Expert Tips:
- Choose the correct bin with drainage holes
- Introduce the right species of worms
- Line the bottom with carbon-rich bedding
- Maintain the optimal temperature
- Give it from 3 to 6 months to be completed.
How Do You Choose the Best Compost Method for Your Garden?
When planning your home garden, selecting the right composting method is crucial. The available space you have is a key factor.
If your area is limited, such as a small backyard or balcony, a compact and self-contained option like in-vessel or vermicomposting would be ideal.
However, if you have ample space, an aerated static pile or turned windrow approach may be more suitable.
Another important consideration is the amount of waste you typically have access to. Evaluate the food scraps, yard trimmings, and other organic materials you generate regularly.
This will help you determine the appropriate scale of the composting system needed. A small household may find a simple trench or bin-based system sufficient, while larger volumes of organic waste will require a bigger system.
Depending on what you want, carefully select the method that best matches what you have or what you are willing to invest, like time, effort, and tools.
How Can a Professional Gardener Help in Composting?
If you’re new to composting, getting a system going at home can be tricky. That’s why you can always bring in an expert gardener to guide you through the whole thing.
Their expertise will be hugely helpful in choosing the best composting method and the perfect spot for your compost pile.
Professional gardeners know all about crucial factors like airflow, moisture, and the right balance of carbon and nitrogen. With their support, your composting project will be off to a great start.
Conclusion
Crafting your own compost is a wonderfully fulfilling experience, providing numerous advantages for your garden and promoting environmental responsibility.
It’s the perfect opportunity to nurture your beautiful garden with a natural infusion of essential nutrients. With this guide at hand, you can start right now.