Composting is a natural process that transforms organic waste into a rich and fertile soil amendment. It can help you reduce your environmental impact, save money, and improve the health and productivity of your plants. But how do you start composting your organic waste at home? Dr. Connie’s Natural Solutions tells you seven easy steps to set up and maintain a successful composting system. You will also learn how compost fertilizer can expedite the decomposition process.
1. Pile it On the Soil
Initiate your compost heap directly on exposed soil. This practice facilitates the natural aeration of the compost by worms and other advantageous microorganisms, which subsequently get carried to your garden beds, enhancing soil quality and plant growth.
2. Prepare a Base
Begin by placing a layer of twigs or straw, around a few inches in depth, as the foundational base. This strategic step serves a dual purpose: improving drainage to prevent waterlogging and enhancing aeration within the pile.
3. Layer the Compost
Incorporate compost materials in stratified layers, alternating between damp and arid components. Among the moist elements are kitchen scraps, tea bags, and seaweed, while dry elements consist of straw, leaves, sawdust pellets, and wood ashes. When utilizing wood ashes, distribute them in slender layers to avoid clumping, as excessive accumulation can impede decomposition efficiency.
4. Add Compost Fertilizer
Add compost fertilizer to your pile to effectively mitigate odors and expedite the decomposition of kitchen scraps. This will allow you to accelerate the breakdown of garden waste, leaves, and yard debris within your compost pile. As you add more layers of compost to your pile down the line, make sure you are adding more fertilizer, too.
5. Ensure the Compost is Moist
Maintain adequate moisture levels in your compost pile. Regularly provide water to ensure optimal dampness or allow rainfall to fulfill this role naturally. Proper moisture fosters the microbial activity necessary for decomposition, promoting the transformation of organic matter into nutrient-rich compost for your gardening endeavors.
6. Cover the Compost
Use whatever materials are available, such as wood, plastic sheets, or carpet scraps, to create a covering. This layer serves the dual purpose of preserving moisture and warmth, both crucial for effective composting. Additionally, it shields the compost from excess rain, preventing waterlogging. Aim for moist compost, striking a balance between adequate hydration and avoiding excessive saturation.
7. Remember to Turn the Pile
Every couple of weeks, swiftly rotate the pile using a pitchfork or shovel. This promotes aeration, a crucial factor since oxygen is essential for effective decomposition, and turning the pile introduces the necessary oxygen. If coarse materials like straw are abundant, this step may be optional. Once the compost pile is established, integrate fresh materials through mixing rather than layering.
Get Compost Fertilizer at Dr. Connie’s Natural Solutions!
Don’t skip the compost fertilizer when starting your compost pile! Dr. Connie’s Compost Plus – Compost Fertilizer is an all-natural solution that will accelerate the process. Purchase yours online today or contact us for more information!