During Earth Day last week. experts told us one way we can help is by composting. Did you know that the U.S. wastes over 60 million tons of food a year? That’s more than any other country in the world! Food waste contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, like methane, carbon dioxide, and nitrous oxides, all of which contribute to global warming. If we compost our food waste, we can help.
What is Composting?
What is composting? The Environmental Protection Agency says composting is the aerobic decomposition of organic materials (food scraps, yard waste) into nutrient-rich soil amendments that build soil health and reduce waste. It requires a mix of “browns” (carbon-rich) and “greens” (nitrogen-rich), moisture, and air, and can take 8-12 weeks or over a year to break down, depending on the method used.
How To Get Started
Pick an area in your yard, at least four foot square, preferably shady and dry. Begin to layer in what they call “greens” and “browns.” Greens are grass clippings, fresh leaves (from pruning, not from diseased plants or insect-infested plants), fresh food scraps (not meats as they can attract rodents), and not pet waste, etc. They break down to release nitrogen.
Browns are dried leaves, broken up twigs, cardboard, straw. They break down to release carbon. The best mix is three parts carbons (browns) to one part nitrogen (greens).
How to Care For Your Compost
About once a week take a pitchfork and turn the patch over to aerate it. Water it about once a week if we haven’t had any rain. Turning it over will help speed it up. You’ll begin to see your first bit of compost in a few months.
Compost improves soil health by adding organic matter, so mix it well in the top 3 or 4 inches of soil around garden plants. You can mix about 1 part compost to 3 to 4 parts potting soil for your indoor plants
Your Garden and Mother Nature Will Be Happy!
Not only will making your own compost help your garden, but it will also the environment. Mother Nature will thank you!