As we observe International Compost Awareness Week from May 5th to 11th, 2024, it's the perfect time to explore the transformative power of composting. Whether you have a big abundant garden or a tiny urban balcony, composting offers an effective way to reduce waste and create rich, fertile soil that benefits both you and the environment.
What is Composting? Composting is the process of breaking down organic materials, such as kitchen scraps and yard waste, into a nutrient-rich substance that can be used to enrich soil. Microorganisms, insects, and worms work together to decompose these materials, resulting in a dark, earthy substance commonly known as compost or "black gold." Compost can then be used to improve soil health, retain moisture, and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers.
Why Compost? Composting offers numerous benefits for both the environment and your garden. Some of the key reasons to start composting are:
Waste Reduction: Composting diverts organic waste from landfills, reducing methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas.
- Soil Health: Compost adds vital nutrients to the soil, improving its structure, fertility, and moisture-retention capacity.
- Sustainability: By composting, you contribute to a circular economy, turning waste into a valuable resource.
- Cost Savings: Composting reduces the need for chemical fertilizers and mulch, leading to lower gardening costs.
- Community Building: Composting can be a shared activity, fostering community connections through collective sustainability efforts.
Even if you are in urban areas, you can start your compost at home. How to do it:
- Worm Composting (Vermicomposting): This method uses earthworms to break down organic materials. It's ideal for apartments and small spaces, as it can be done in a compact bin.
- Bokashi Composting: A fermentation-based process that breaks down food waste in an airtight container.
- Community Composting: Many urban areas have community gardens or composting programs. You can contribute your organic waste to a communal compost pile and receive finished compost in return.
How to start your own compost? it is easier than you might think, you just need to:
- Choose a Location: If you have outdoor space, select a corner for a compost pile or bin. For indoor composting, choose a spot for a compost bin or worm composting setup.
- Collect Organic Waste: Collect kitchen scraps like fruit and vegetable peelings, coffee grounds, tea bags, and eggshells. Yard waste, such as leaves and grass clippings, can also be added. Avoid: cooked food, meat, dairy products, coal, coal ashes, bones, or full eggs (for eggs use only the dry shells).
- Layer and Mix: Create layers of "greens" (food scraps, grass clippings) and "browns" (leaves, cardboard, paper). Turn or mix the compost regularly to aerate it.
- Monitor Moisture and Temperature: Compost should be moist but not soggy. If it's too dry, add water; if it's too wet, add more browns. The compost should feel warm to the touch as it decomposes.
- Harvest Your Compost: After several months, your compost should be dark and crumbly, with an earthy smell. Use it to enrich your garden, potted plants, or community garden.
Let’s celebrate this International Compost Awareness Week, let's commit to reducing waste and nurturing the earth through composting. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a complete beginner, composting is a powerful way to make a positive impact on the environment. Start small, stay consistent, and watch your composting journey grow! And if you want to learn about composting and many other gardening topics, stay tuned to Cornell Cooperative Extension events every month, for more information visit https://allegany.cce.cornell.
Cristian Acosta
Ag Educator / Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinator
Cornell Cooperative Extension | Allegany County
