Composting Basics: Learn How to Create Healthy Soil

Are you interested in enriching your garden soil while also being eco-friendly? Composting is the perfect solution for you! As a home gardener, creating and using compost not only promotes healthy plant growth but also reduces household waste. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to make and use compost like an expert gardener. Let’s dive in!

Choose a suitable location

Select a shady spot with good drainage near your garden. Try to pick a spot easily accessible year-round so you can add kitchen scraps during winter too.

Select the right ingredients

To create quality compost, you need a mix of green and brown materials. Green materials can be grass clippings, fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds or teabags, while brown materials include leaves, straw, sawdust or small branches.

Start layering your compost

Begin with a base layer of brown material to allow air circulation and assist in drainage. Then alternate layers of green and brown materials. A good rule of thumb is three parts brown material to one part green material.

Maintain moisture levels

Your compost should be moist but not soaking wet. If it’s too dry, it will slow down the decomposition process. Add water if needed, but be careful not to overdo it.

Turn your compost regularly

To increase decomposition speed and maintain uniformity in texture, turn the organic matter at least once every two weeks using a pitchfork or garden fork. This helps introduce oxygen into the pile.

Monitor the temperature

A well-maintained compost pile should heat up within a few days after turning it due to activity from microorganisms breaking down organic matter. The temperature should range between 130-160°F (55-70°C). If not reaching this temperature range, consider increasing the amount of green material or turning the compost more often.

Know when your compost is ready

Finished compost typically takes three to six months, depending on factors like temperature, maintenance, and material composition. It should be dark brown, crumbly, and smell earthy. If you still see some identifiable scraps, give the pile more time.

Use your compost in the garden

Now that you have your homemade plant food, it’s time to put it to good use! You can add freshly created compost to your garden as a top dressing or work it into the soil before planting new seeds or transplants.

Benefits of using compost

Compost not only enhances soil structure and fertility but also improves water retention, provides essential nutrients to plants, suppresses diseases, and balances soil pH levels.

Troubleshooting common issues with composting

If you experience foul odors from your pile, it might be too wet or lack sufficient oxygen. Turning it more often or adding more brown material should remedy this issue. On the other hand, if your compost is not breaking down properly, try increasing green material content to kick-start decomposition.

By following these detailed instructions, you’ll transform yourself into an expert home gardener and enjoy the reward of healthy plants grown in nourishing, environmentally-friendly soil. Happy gardening!