Why Composting Matters
Composting is one of the easiest ways to recycle kitchen and garden waste while creating a free, nutrient-rich fertiliser for your plants. Instead of sending food scraps to landfill, you can turn them into “black gold” that improves soil structure, boosts plant growth, and reduces household waste.
What You Can Compost
The key to successful composting is balancing greens (nitrogen-rich materials) and browns (carbon-rich materials).
- Greens: Fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, tea bags, fresh grass clippings.
- Browns: Dry leaves, cardboard, shredded paper, twigs.
Avoid adding meat, dairy, oily food, or pet waste, as these can cause odours and attract pests.
Choosing a Composting Method
There are several ways to compost, depending on your space:
- Compost Bin: Perfect for small backyards or balconies.
- Compost Pile: Works well if you have a larger garden.
- Worm Bin (Vermicomposting): Ideal for indoors or apartments — worms break down scraps quickly and produce nutrient-rich worm castings.
Step-by-Step Composting Process
- Layering: Start with a layer of browns at the bottom for airflow. Alternate layers of greens and browns.
- Moisture: Keep the pile damp, like a wrung-out sponge. Too dry? Add more greens. Too wet? Add more browns.
- Turning: Mix or turn the pile every 1–2 weeks to add oxygen and speed up decomposition.
- Patience: Compost can take 2–6 months to mature, depending on the method and conditions.
Using Your Compost
Once the compost is dark, crumbly, and has an earthy smell, it’s ready to use. Mix it into potting soil, spread it around plants as mulch, or use it to enrich garden beds. Your plants will thank you with healthier growth and better yields.
Final Thoughts: Small Effort, Big Rewards
Starting a composting habit at home may seem intimidating at first, but it’s simple once you get started. With the right balance of greens and browns, a little patience, and regular care, you’ll reduce waste and create natural fertiliser that makes your garden thrive.