Creating rich soil to nurture your plants is not only good for the planet but incredibly satisfying. Your plants will also love you for it!
Like any good recipe, there are lots of different views about composting ingredients and techniques.
But not to worry, we’ve done the research, so you know what equipment you need, materials to buy and how to compost in small and large spaces. There’s no excuse not to get started today!
Getting started = Five Ls
We’ve broken it down into 5 easy steps to get you started:
Lifestyle
Lose it or use it
Location
Layering
Loving care
Lifestyle
There are lots of options on the market to support you to compost and reduce your waste.
If you’re very committed to doing the work yourself and only have a small space, then there’s plenty of kitchen-based compost bins on the market. There are also freezer or worm-based units, food cyclers and compost bags available.
For larger spaces and those with garden waste, purchasing a compost bin or building a compost pile or wooden bay is a good way to start.
Ideally, if creating your own space, it should be at least 3 feet (91cm) in height and width. Also, remember to keep the compost in the shade, so it doesn’t dry out.
If you don’t have the time or space, you can add organic matter to your green bins for collection by a composting service. You can share it with neighbours or drop it off at your local community garden or recycling centre.
Lose it or use it
Knowing what to use or lose is key to making the best of your waste.
You can compost green materials such as fruit and vegetable scraps, used tea and coffee grounds, eggshells, grass clippings, green plant cuttings, dead flowers, and some weeds.You can also use brown materials such as straw, paper and cardboard, dry leaves, and branches. And you can also use sawdust (not from treated wood).
Lose the dairy, meat and baked or cooked food unless your unit specifically says they can be composted (some kitchen-based units can process these ingredients).
Location
If indoors, choose a place that is easily accessible so you will remember to add in your food and other materials each day. A well-maintained compost unit shouldn’t smell so you can put it anywhere that it won’t be in the way. It may attract some insects which is very normal, but you may not want that in some places!
For outdoor units, choose a shaded spot close to water so you can keep it moist and hydrated. This helps break it down over time. Remember to keep a lid or cover on it to keep out curious and hungry animals too.
Layering
Start by creating a layer, which will support and encourage air to circulate and to allow drainage.
Layer 1 – twigs, mulch or old potting mix (10 to 20cm layer). For kitchen-based systems, you can use a microbe mix available from garden centres.
Layer 2 – green and brown materials. For example, garden clippings, kitchen scraps, leaves and wet paper.
Add water after adding each layer and keep items small so they break down faster.
Generally, keep a ratio of 2:1 for brown to green materials. For outdoors composting, remember to keep the pile moist.
Loving care
Always keep a lid on your compost and for outdoor compost piles use a fork to break up the compost every 2 weeks to help it breathe and turn the compost. For kitchen-based composting, turning the material over is also important to keep it aerated.
If your compost is too moist, then add in some more brown material and give it a good turn over to get some air circulating.
If your compost is too dry, then add some more green material and water.
For outdoor based systems, achieving great compost will take a few months and depending on the type of unit, some kitchen-based ones will produce compost in 24 hours. Amazing!
Regardless of how you get started, you know the compost is ready when it’s rich brown in colour and it crumbles easily. Then, it’s ready to mix in and make your plants smile!
