Today many are adopting the eco-friendly habit of composting. It is a very simple and efficient way to decrease the waste and recycle all around our household and yard waste. Our research later proved that almost 30% of the compostable waste from our household includes, leftover foods, food scraps, and yard trimmings. In 1989 the state law had banned discarding yard waste to landfills or any other energy facilities unless sent to commercial composting companies. But I always feel that each one of us can compost all our yard trimmings and recycle them into a garden bed. This will save us a lot of money from buying compost and our plants will be greener and healthier.
When we compost our kitchen scraps and garden waste correctly, we can successfully make nutrient-rich compost. The composition is fully done when it has a dark brown color with a crumbly texture. It also has a very earthy fragrance. Since compost is made from recycling organic matter, it is 100% safe and when adding it to your fruits and vegetables You would yield a bountiful harvest. Today we will discuss all about backyard composting and the best way to go about it.
Getting started with backyard compost
- Set up a compost bin in the backyard by either purchasing one or making one
- Fill the bin with kitchen scraps and yard trimmings
- Add sufficient water to dampen the pile
- Use a pitchfork or shovel to give it a good mix
Compostable materials for backyard compost
Put scraps from your kitchen like, coffee grounds and banana peels are commonly known as compostable materials because, they are organic and can be easily composted. The key to successfully composting in your backyard is having a good bunch of nitrogen and carbon. How can you get it right? Let’s understand which materials hold nitrogen and carbon. Materials that consist of high levels of nitrogen are known as ‘Greens’. The materials that consist of high levels of carbon are known as ‘Browns’. Now, how do you know which material comes under the category of Greens and Browns. It’s very simple, without getting into many technicalities, you can always remember that materials for your kitchen and all your yard that are fresh – come under Greens, like, fresh grass clippings, fruits, and vegetable peelings, etc. All the materials that are dry from your yard and from your home that includes, including wood, dry leaves, newspaper, tissue, sawdust, etc. can be considered as Browns.
If you add too much of greens to your compost bin it would release excessive water. When this happens, the air is pushed out of your compost pile and it begins to release a foul odor. If you add too much of Browns in the compost pile it will get dry. This will slow down the activities of the microorganisms in the bin and they may also die. When such a thing happens, the entire process comes to a halt. Therefore, it is very necessary that the proportion is correct. The ideal ratio that I follow in my composition is 1: 4, greens to Browns.
Also, remember that the compost pile requires adequate oxygen and moisture. So, the file should be damp, not dry or soaking wet. Frequently mix the compost pile, this allows air to flow through the materials, expediting the process of decomposing. And this way your compost will be ready soon.
So, I hope these few tips and suggestions will help you to compost in your backyard successfully. Do share with us additional suggestions, if you have any. All the best!