As most of us are aware by now, composting is an environmentally friendly and cost-effective way for us to fertilise our plants and gardens. It is essentially the breaking down of organic waste materials, such as kitchen scraps and garden waste, into a nutrient-rich soil amendment. Composting not only reduces the amount of waste that ends up in landfill, it also provides plants with the essential nutrients they need to thrive.
There are several different composting techniques that we can use depending on the size of our gardens, each with its own unique set of advantages and disadvantages. Some of the most common methods include:
Bin composting: This is probably the most common composting technique. Using a composting bin provides a contained and controlled environment for the composting process, making it easier to manage and control the temperature, moisture, and air flow. Bin composting is a great option for those who have limited space in their yards or for those who prefer a more structured and organised approach to composting.
Trench composting: This technique involves digging a trench in the soil and filling it with organic waste materials. The waste is then covered with soil and left to decompose naturally. This method is a great option for those who have large gardens or for those who are looking for a more natural and low-maintenance approach to composting. Be aware, though, that if you have wild animals frequenting your yard they may want to burrow into it.
Sheet composting: This involves layering organic waste materials, such as leaves and grass clippings, directly on top of the soil. The layers are then covered with a layer of soil, which helps to control the temperature and moisture levels during the composting process. Sheet composting is a great option if you have limited space and for those who want to add compost directly to their garden beds.
Worm composting: A fantastic way to recycle your kitchen scraps, this technique involves using red tiger worms (or red wrigglers), a type of composting worm, to break down organic waste materials. The worms consume the waste and produce a nutrient-rich compost known as vermi-compost. Worm composting is a great option for those who want to compost indoors or for those who want to minimise the amount of work involved in composting.
Bokashi composting: This a specialised composting method that uses a mixture of bran and beneficial microbes to ferment organic waste materials. Bokashi composting is a great option for those who want to compost kitchen waste such as meat, dairy, and cooked foods, which are not typically composted using other methods.
Regardless of the composting technique you choose, it is important to ensure that the composting process is managed correctly. This includes providing the compost with the proper balance of moisture, air and heat, as well as adding a balanced mix of green and brown materials to ensure that the composting process is as efficient as possible.
HAPPY GARDENING!
Drew Cooper, Edible Gardens
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