Spring always brings us back to the earth — whether in literal terms as we’re planting and outdoors, or in metaphorical ways as spring often symbolizes rebirth or youthfulness. Either way, we’ve got Mother Earth on the brain, and what better way to help our planet than to learn the nitty gritty of composting! To break it down in simple terms (pun intended!), composting is a process of intentionally decomposing organic materials into simpler compounds, both organic and inorganic. It’s a way to take our trash and turn it into treasure, rich in plant nutrients, by recycling the good stuff to nurture healthier soil.
what can i compost?
Image via animamundiherbals.com
Fruit peels, plant skins, tops of food scraps, coffee grounds, eggshells, organic tea bags, and flowers are all organic waste that can be turned into nutrient-rich fertilizer.
NEVER mix in animal products like dairy, meat, fish, bones, oil, or trash
HOW DO I START?
Find a receptacle for your “good waste” that has a secure top on it to prevent odors from stinking up your home - we love this one.
Pro tip: stash your compost in the freezer, a bug-and smell-free zone!
Layer your greens & browns. Compostables come in two main types: “Greens” and “Browns”. Greens are the wet plant bits like cucumber pulp, carrot tops, and other vegetable stems. Browns include dry materials like twigs, egg cartons, and dried flower stems. Browns go on the bottom of your compost pile. Greens go on top. Some people also add a layer of Browns on top to prevent heavier, wetter materials from getting too soppy. Layering Greens and Browns is a way to “aerate” your compost, a.k.a. let the airflow and the water run through. This allows the compost to become more fertile and nutritious.
Balance the wet vs. the dry in your compost mix. Experts say each layer of compost should be about 1-2 inches. Ratio recommendations for wet-to-dry (also known as green-to-brown) range from 3-4 parts Brown to 1 part Green to 2 Brown:1 Green ratios. The wet-to-dry balance is important so the Browns can sop up any excess moisture. Keep in mind: there’s no one “right” way to compost! Enjoy the process of experimenting, and see what works best based on the environment inside and outside your home space.
Be patient... and smell your junk. Yes, we said it. Smell your trash! Remember, composting is an intuitive process unlike baking or other sciences. Some say a fully broken down compost smells woody or earthy, while others think it’s got a sweet or sour funk to it. The human sense of smell can teach us so much about plants and our own health and wellbeing. Don’t be afraid to sniff the compost from time to time to see how it’s progressing, as this is a major way to know if it's advancing properly or not. Composts can take anywhere between 2-12 months to fully break down depending on how hot, cold, humid, etc. it is where you are. All good things take time.
Move it around to spread the love. Love, peace, and preservation are at the heart of Earth Day. So goes the composting process. Move the lovely mess around with a stick to let the air flow. This greatly depends what kind of system you're opting to use, but overall a semi-occasional stir works well!) Keep it wet but not too soggy by stirring the pile occasionally.
That’s it! You’re now ready to start composting with whatever you’ve been throwing away. We hope you have fun getting dirty, our little worker bees!