Are you looking for an affordable and effective way to improve the quality of your soil and help your plants thrive? Consider composting! Composting is the process of breaking down organic materials such as fruit and vegetable scraps, leaves, and yard waste into a nutrient-rich soil amendment. Not only does composting benefit your garden, but it also reduces the amount of waste that goes into landfills. In this blog, we’ll explore the power of composting and provide DIY options for creating organic fertilizer that will make your garden bloom.

Understanding Composting 🌱

Before we dive into the various DIY options for composting, it’s essential to understand the basics of the composting process. Composting involves the breakdown of organic materials through a combination of aerobic and anaerobic decomposition. Aerobic composting requires oxygen and is the most common method for backyard composting. Anaerobic composting occurs when organic materials are decomposed in the absence of oxygen, which produces methane gas. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas and contributes to climate change, so it’s essential to choose aerobic composting methods.

To start the composting process, you’ll need a composter, which can be purchased or made at home. The composting bin should be located in an area that is moist, but well-drained, and gets plenty of indirect sunlight. It’s important to layer your compost pile with the appropriate amount of green and brown materials, and always keep it moist.

A pile of leaves and plant material being added to a compost bin

DIY Compost Options 🍃

Now that you understand the basics of composting, let’s explore some DIY options for creating your own organic fertilizer.

Grass Clippings and Leaves 🍁

One of the simplest ways to create compost is to compost yard waste such as grass clippings and leaves. Lawn clippings are a source of nitrogen, while leaves provide carbon. Combine these two materials in equal parts and layer them in alternating layers in your compost bin. To give your compost pile a boost, add food scraps such as vegetables and fruit peels, which are rich in nitrogen.

Yard waste being added to a compost bin

Vermicomposting 🪱

Vermicomposting is a composting method that uses worms to break down food scraps and other organic materials. This method is popular because it is simple and can be done indoors in a small space. To start vermicomposting, you’ll need a worm bin, which can be purchased or made at home. You’ll also need red wiggler worms, which can be purchased online or found in a local bait shop. Add bedding material such as shredded newspaper to your worm bin and add food scraps such as fruits and vegetables. As the worms feed on the organic materials, they produce worm castings, which can be used as organic fertilizer.

Red wriggler worms in a worm bin

Bokashi Composting 🥦

Bokashi composting is a method that uses a bran mixture to ferment food scraps in an airtight container. This method is especially helpful for those who live in apartments or areas with limited outdoor space. To start bokashi composting, you’ll need a bokashi composting bin and a mixture of bran and microorganisms called Effective Microorganisms (EM). Place food scraps inside the bin and sprinkle the bran and EM mixture on top of the scraps. Seal the container and let it sit for a few weeks. Once the food scraps have fermented, they can be added to an outdoor compost pile or used as fertilizer.

A bokashi composting container with bran mixture and food scraps

Closing Thoughts 🌻

Composting is a fantastic way to reduce waste and create nutrient-rich soil for your garden. Not only does it benefit your garden, but it also helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Whether you choose to compost yard waste, vermicompost, or use bokashi composting, you’re doing your part to create a more sustainable world. Happy composting!

A beautiful garden full of blooming flowers and healthy plants