What's that smell...? Composting for Beginners

Growing up, my neighbor was an avid composter. She had a mound piled up against our shared fence, a bin full of eggshells and rotten tomatoes under her deck, and a bin in her greenhouse. I honestly didn't understand the concept of composting and was convinced that this was some sort of organic matter hoarding. After taking a couple environmental science courses, I have learned the significance of composting and the awesome impact increasing organic matter in soil can have for its structure and nutrient content.

So far, my composting efforts have been devastating. I started collecting food scraps and putting them in a bag in my kitchen, but, me being me, I failed to buy a composting bin before all of my scraps started molding. Yeah, I know - gross.

However, I am planning to start again this coming week - we love a persistent queen!!! Here are the steps I'm planning to follow:

1. Find containers. This is important. It's easy to gather up scraps, but when you don't have a place to put it, things get really smelly really fast. Use a plastic bag or metal container (cute af) for your kitchen. For the outdoor container, there are spendy options online (we're talking $80, um that's a commitment??) that would make your life easier, or you can put in a wooden box made of pallets. Set your outdoor container in the shade.

2. Gather brown biodegradables: we're talking about the fall essentials - fallen leaves, twigs, etc. You can also add coffee filters, egg shells, and shredded paper, if you're feelin' wild.

3. Add some green: gather up grass, food waste (fruits and veggies only), and coffee grounds.

4. Pour some water on me (in the name of love)!!!! Keep your compost pile moist to encourage decomposition.

5. Ensure a strong ratio: 1 part green to 3 parts brown.

6. Stir it up!!! Mix up your yummy, decomposing, organic materials often. Steam rising from the pile is a good sign of decomposition.

7. When your OM is ready to use, it should be dark brown. Add it to soils of all kinds and watch your plants grow!!

Join me in trying composting out for size!! Comment below and let me know how it is going! XOXO, Compost Girl.

Sources: Easy Composting

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