Guide To Composting

Why compost?

Composting is one of the easiest and most beneficial ways to turn your food waste into earth fuel!

All you need to get started is a bin of some kind, a little bit of oxygen and a few kitchen scraps (or garden trimmings). 

You’ll be rewarded with a high-quality and basically free fertiliser, without having to purchase commercial garden chemicals that would otherwise contribute to toxic run-off, which could be harmful to the environment.

Where Do I Start?

First, explore what can and cannot be composted. In general, compostable ingredients can be split into two basic camps - Greens and Browns.

“Greens” include nitrogen-rich items such as eggshells, grass clippings, coffee grounds and food scraps.

“Browns” include carbon-rich items such as untreated cardboard, plant stalks and twigs, paper, dry leaves and wood chips.

You should avoid composting meat, fish & bones, dairy products, pet litter, fats & oils and herbicide-treated weeds.

What will I need?

To collect and store your scraps, it’s useful to keep a small bin or two somewhere convenient, such as under the kitchen sink.

Your composting bin should occupy a decent corner of your garden with ample drainage and water supply. If you’re not sure what kind of bin to purchase, the folks at your local garden centre should be more than happy to help you out.

Sounds Good, Let’s go!

Start with a thick layer of bulky browns, like twigs and wood chips. This bottom layer will allow air flow and aid in water absorption.

Now, you’re ready to start adding your greens!

Composting works best when your pile comprises alternating layers of greens and browns, as each element brings together the perfect mix of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen and various microorganisms. 

Keep It Up

As well as regular watering, your compost will need to be turned and mixed to ensure ample aeration. 

Be sure to seal your bin if there is any chance of rodent interference!

The compost will be ready after just a few months, when it appears a rich brown and crumbles easily, and all components have decomposed.

Congratulations, you now have your very own pile of black gold!

Sources

Good Living South Australia

Planet Natural Research Centre

United States Environmental Protection Agency