The Renter’s Guide to Composting: How and Why to Do It

Composting is an effective way to reduce waste and make your own organic fertilizer. Besides that, it’s very easy to do with merely a few simple tools. You can still compost your food waste, even if you’re renting a Belleview apartment or home. But having said that, take note, there are particular things you need to know to begin the process. This easy guide will offer an overview of the practice of composting and the steps you can take to get started composting your food scraps.

What is composting?

Composting is the approach of breaking down organic matter, such as food scraps and yard waste, into a nutrient-rich soil amendment. The end product, described as compost, can be used to augment the quality of your garden soil. Composting is an efficient way to reduce waste, save money on fertilizer, and help the environment.

What can be composted?

Probably any organic material can be composted, yet some items break down more instantaneously than others. Food scraps like fruits and vegetables, coffee grounds, and eggshells are all very fine candidates for composting. Yard waste such as leaves, grass clippings, and twigs can also be composted.

How to start composting

If you’re ready and eager about composting, here are the steps you can take:

1. Find a place for your compost bin. This can be an acceptable spot for your container if you have a small balcony or patio. Just check that it is in a sunny location so the ingredients will break down suitably.
2. Use the correct type of bin. There is a wide range of compost bins available, so research to sort out the one that best suits your needs. Some containers are designed for indoor use, while it is true that others are great for outdoor spaces.
3. Gather your compostable materials. Almost any kitchen scraps can be composted, including fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and eggshells. You can, for instance, add yard waste such as leaves and grass clippings to your bin.
4. Add water to the bin accordingly. The ingredients in your bin need to be moist to break down nicely, so check to add water if the bin starts to look dry.
5. Turn the contents of the bin consistently. This will help oxygenate the materials and make quicker the composting process.
6. When the compost is ready, it should be dark and crumbly. It can then be added to your garden or used as mulch around your plants.

How to use compost

Compost can be used in different ways. Here are some ideas:

• Utilize it as a soil amendment in a garden or planter. Compost can be mixed into the soil to augment drainage and aeration. It can also help retain moisture and add nutrients to the soil.
• Use it as mulch. Spread a layer of compost around your plants to help control the weeds and retain moisture.
• Use it as a fertilizer. Compost can be used to fertilize your plants. Just mix it into the soil around the base of the plant.
• Use it to form a potting mix. Compost can be mixed with other ingredients, in particular, perlite or vermiculite, to develop a potting mix for your indoor plants.
• Use it to make compost tea. This liquid fertilizer can be produced by steeping compost in water for several days. It can then be utilized to fertilize your plants or to water seedlings.

Composting is a good means to bring down your environmental impact and help your garden or houseplants grow wonderfully. By paying attention to and implementing these really simple tips, you can, straight off, compost at home, even if you’re renting.

 

Are you in the market for a new rental home – likely one with more outdoor space for composting and accomplishing your green thumb? So, if this is you, talk to one of our Belleview property managers today or view our listings online.