So, You Want To Start Composting?
Let’s start with the basics, what is composting? Put simply, it is the biodegradation of organic matter such as raw fruits / vegetables, eggshells, twigs / branches, flowers, paper tea bags, coffee grounds, stale beans / bread, and more that break down and become this beautiful, nutrient-rich fertilizer to help your gardens bloom.
Why is it important to compost? First, it minimizes the methane emissions that are emitted when your food goes into a landfill, which has been linked to climate change. Second, it creates a natural fertilizer for your food and also helps with the water retention of the soil.
How do you compost?
If you don’t have an area for at-home composting, purchase a container to store your coffee grounds, fruit and veggie scraps, and whatever else is raw and unprocessed. Some great options are the Odor-Free Compost Pail, Natural Home Compost Bin, and Bamboo Kitchen Compost Bin. These can be stored on your countertop, under your sink, or even in the freezer if you’d prefer to not deal with the smell.
Find a drop-off point, which if you live in Los Angeles is the Atwaters Farmers Market and the Los Feliz Farmers Market. You can also reach out to local community gardens, as well as to your city to see if they offer a compost pick up.
If you are interested in creating an at-home composting bin / area:
Create a designated space for your bin – your backyard or the side of the house is usually a great place to start.
Same as above, you will collect the organic items, but instead of dropping it off somewhere, you will dispose of it in your handy dandy bin.
It doesn’t stop here. You will also need to add brown materials to counter your green (organic matter) such as sawdust, newspaper clippings, used mulch and trimmings from dead plants. I’ve always used hay, which is something that was weirdly always on hand when I lived in my prior apartment.
Every other week, with a shovel or a hoe or whatever tool you have lying around, churn your compost pile like one would have churned butter to let it aerate (AKA breathe).
Wait a few months, and your compost pile will turn into that beautiful nutrient-rich soil which you can give back to your garden!
If you’d like to figure out more, Gardening Channel offers great tips and tricks for beginners.