Embracing My Composting Adventure: Discovering What to Compost and What to Toss

Stepping into the world of composting was like unlocking a door to a greener future. I recently decided that i wanted to learn about composting and I bought a dual chamber compost tumbler. I had no idea about the significant impact it would have on my life and the environment. Driven by my love of learning new things and wanted to learn more about how to enrich my garden soil, I dove headfirst into the rewarding practice of composting.

In this post, I will share my composting journey, explore various methods, and highlight the essentials on what to compost and what to toss. Join me on this green adventure!

Why Composting?

Composting is not just a trend; it's a crucial eco-friendly practice that transforms organic waste into a valuable resource. In fact, composting can divert 30% of household waste from landfills. By composting, you not only reduce waste but also create nutrient-rich soil for your plants. Imagine converting everyday kitchen scraps into a powerhouse for your garden!

This revelation fueled my interest, driving me to investigate different composting methods and the types of materials suitable for composting.

Different Ways to Compost

Composting can be tailored to fit individual lifestyles and spaces. Here are some effective methods that I discovered:

1. Traditional Pile Composting

This classic method involves creating a heap of organic matter in your backyard. With some space, you can yield rich compost in just a few months. you can designate a corner of your yard for a compost pile, layering green materials like vegetable scraps and fresh grass clippings with brown materials such as dried leaves and twigs. Turning the pile every few weeks helps to aerate it, significantly speeding up decomposition. Proper balance can lead to compost ready in 3 to 6 months.

A backyard composting pile with various organic materials.

2. Bokashi Composting

Bokashi is an innovative anaerobic process that ferments organic materials using a special blend of microorganisms. I want to experiment with this type of composting method next because it allows composting of items like dairy products and meats, which are often excluded from traditional composting. By using a sealed Bokashi bin in my kitchen, I should be able to reduce my kitchen scraps by about 50% while enjoying the perks of composting.

A close-up of a Bokashi composting bin filled with organic kitchen waste.

3. Vermicomposting

Vermicomposting uses worms, typically red wigglers, to break down organic waste into rich compost. This method is excellent for those with limited outdoor space, like apartment dwellers. You can set up a worm bin in your kitchen. Just a pound of red wigglers can eat half their weight in food waste every day, turning it into highly nutritious compost. When I make my own seed starting mix I always use worm castings. By using worms you will get fresh worm castings that are so nutritious for you soil and plants.

A close-up of a vermicomposting bin with healthy red wiggler worms.

What Should I Compost?

Kicking off your composting journey means knowing what you can put in your compost pile or bin. Here are some excellent compost materials:

• Fruit and Vegetable Scraps: Common compost materials like fruit peels, cores, and vegetable trimmings are nutrient-rich.

• Coffee Grounds and Filters: They enhance the compost quality and help maintain a balanced pH level, with approximately 2% nitrogen content.

  
  

• Eggshells: Crushed eggshells supply calcium to the compost, promoting tougher plants.

  
  

• Grass Clippings and Leaves: These brown materials provide essential structure and aeration.

  
  

• Kitchen Paper Towels and Napkins: If free of chemicals, they contribute to breakdown efficiently.

  
  

It's equally important to avoid items that take ages to decompose or could attract unwanted pests for successful composting!

What Should I Throw into the Trash?

While composting is a fantastic way to recycle organic waste, some items should not end up in your compost pile. Here are a few things to avoid:

• Meat and Dairy: These can invite pests and generate unpleasant odors.

  
  

• Oils and Grease: They create a messy situation and disrupt the composting process.

  
  

• Diseased Plants or Weeds: Including diseased material can transfer pathogens and weed seeds back to your garden.

  
  

• Synthetic Materials: Plastic bags and wrappers do not break down and will remain in your compost indefinitely.

  
  

• Citrus Peels: In large quantities, they can upset the compost's acidity balance.

  
  

Knowing what to compost and what to toss is critical for effective composting!

My Composting Journey Continues

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Composting has opened my eyes to a more eco-friendly lifestyle. Watching organic waste transform into nourishing soil for my garden is incredibly fulfilling. Each method of composting offers unique benefits, and I am excited to continue experimenting and learning. This is the composter that I use. It has 2 chambers, I can spin it instead of using a pitch fork to rotate it.

I invite you to embark on this journey with me. Composting is a simple practice that leads to positive changes for our environment. If you haven't tried composting yet, I encourage you to take that first step. Together, we can turn what would typically be trash into treasures for our gardens and the planet. Happy composting!

If you have anything to add that worked or did not work please respond to a post and start a discussion This is a way for us all to learn.