How to start composting at home

Composting helps to retain levels of moisture in soil while adding nutrients which helps plants flourish. One third of the waste in landfills consists of compostable materials. If we begin the process of composting at home, landfills will last longer and less methane gas from these organic materials will be released. Of course, there are many different types of composts, ranging from small ones on the kitchen counters, to compost bins, to piles in the garden. Composting is easy, good for the environment and completely free! Here’s how you can begin:

1) Accumulate a mixture of carbon based materials (such as branches, dried leaves, cardboard, newspaper and egg shells) and nitrogen based materials (such as manure, tea leaves, garden weeds and clippings, fruits and vegetables and leftover food)

2) Place the materials on an uncovered and level area of your garden, with the twigs, branches and straw first, followed by a mix of dry and wet materials and finally a rich nitrogen source such as manure. This compost pile should be between 3 and 5 feet high

3) If there is little rainfall, water the compost pile sparingly. If there is heavy rainfall, cover the compost with an old rug or some wood

4) Return to the compost once every few weeks to monitor the moisture levels and give the materials a turn, you can opt for a compost tumbler or digester

5) You may choose to buy an inoculant to help the process of composting  

A key tip is to create your compost in an area which you will use to grow other plants in the future, as the soil beneath the compost bin or compost pile will be very rich in nutrients. Avoid adding meat and milk products, baked goods, highly acidic or greasy foods to your compost pile. Otherwise, enjoy this easy and sustainable way of getting rid of household waste.

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