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You are here: Home / Gardening / The Do’s and Don’ts Of Composting: An Essential Guide

The Do’s and Don’ts Of Composting: An Essential Guide

in Gardening, Vegetable Gardening on 01/17/23

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Composting is an essential way to reduce landfill waste and help the environment – but it’s not as simple as just throwing your food scraps into a bin.

Today, we’ll cover everything you need to know about composting, from the basics to the do’s and don’ts.

A compost bin with assorted food scraps and kitchen waste
Composting is an essential way to reduce landfill waste and help the environment.

What is Composting?

Composting is the process of decomposing organic matter, such as food scraps and yard waste, into a crumbly, nutrient-rich soil amendment called “compost.” This process can happen naturally, but it can be accelerated by following a few simple guidelines.

There are many benefits to composting, including:

  • reducing greenhouse gas emissions
  • saving water
  • reducing the need for chemical fertilizers

Composting is also an excellent way to reduce landfill waste. To get the most out of composting, there are a few things you should do – and a few things you should avoid.

Read on for a complete guide to composting, including the do’s and don’ts of composting!

The Benefits of Composting

Composting is not only good for the environment – it’s also good for your garden! Compost is a nutrient-rich soil amendment that can be used to improve the health and appearance of your plants.

There are many benefits to using compost, including:

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions

Composting reduces the emission of methane, a potent greenhouse gas that is produced when organic waste decomposes in a landfill.

Saving water

Compost helps the soil retain water, which means you’ll need to water your plants less often.

Reducing the need for chemical fertilizers

Compost provides a natural source of nutrients for plants, which can help reduce the need for chemical fertilizers.

Improving plant health

Compost can help improve the structure of the soil, which can lead to healthier plants.

Improving plant appearance

Compost can also help improve the appearance of plants by adding essential nutrients and improving the structure of the soil.

A compost pit with food and kitchen scraps
Composting reduces the emission of methane, a potent greenhouse gas that is produced when organic waste decomposes in a landfill.

The Do’s of Composting

Now that we’ve covered the basics of composting, let’s take a look at the do’s of composting.

By following these simple guidelines, you can get the most out of your compost pile!

Do add a variety of organic materials to your compost pile.

A variety of organic materials, such as leaves, grass clippings, and food scraps, will decompose more quickly and create a richer compost.

Do chop or shred larger pieces of organic material.

Larger pieces of organic material, such as branches and twigs, will take longer to decompose. To speed up the process, chop or shred these materials before adding them to your compost pile.

Do water your compost pile regularly.

A moist compost pile will decompose more quickly than a dry one. Aim to keep your compost pile as moist as a wrung-out sponge.

Do turn your compost pile regularly.

Turning your compost pile will aerate it and help it to decompose more quickly. Aim to turn your compost pile every week or two.

Do use a compost bin.

While a compost bin is not required, it can help to keep your compost pile neat. Compost bins are also great for keeping pests out of your compost pile.

The Don’ts of Composting

In addition to following the do’s of composting, there are also a few things you should avoid doing.

By following these simple guidelines, you can avoid common composting mistakes.

Don’t add meat, bones, or dairy products to your compost pile.

While these materials will decompose, they can attract pests and create an unpleasant odor.

Don’t add any plants that have been treated with chemicals.

Chemical-treated plants, such as those that have been sprayed with pesticides, can contaminate your compost.

Don’t add anything that might attract pests.

Avoid adding anything to your compost pile that might attract pests, such as pet waste.

Don’t add anything that is not biodegradable.

Non-biodegradable materials, such as plastic or metal, will not decompose in your compost pile.

Don’t add too much at once.

If you add too much organic material to your compost pile at once, it will take longer to decompose. Add organic material to your compost pile in small batches.

A landfill of assorted waste materials
Don’t add anything that is not biodegradable. Non-biodegradable materials, such as plastic or metal, will not decompose in your compost pile.

Takeaway

Composting is a great way to reduce landfill waste, save water, and improve the health of your plants.

By following the do’s and don’ts of composting, you can get the most out of your compost pile!

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Hi! I'm Dian, a wife of 20+ years, Mom to 4 grown kids, and "Nana" to 5. I LOVE reality shows & vegetable gardening & talking about both. I am currently pursuing my Master Gardener Certification.... Read more about Dian & Learning To Grow Your Own Food.

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