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THE composting is a simple and efficient practice to reuse organic remains produced in our house.
By turning this waste into fertilizer, we can help reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills and also obtain a nutritious product for our plants and gardens.
In this article, we will learn the benefits of composting at home, materials that can be composted, how to start a composter at home and some tips for obtaining quality compost.
So, let's learn to reuse our organic waste in a conscious and sustainable way, through composting. organic recycling.
See how to reuse organic waste with composting
THE composting of organic waste works on reusing products, such as fruit and vegetable peels and food scraps, transforming them into natural fertilizer for your plants and gardens.
In addition to reducing waste, composting also helps improve soil quality and retain moisture, making your plants healthier and more vigorous.
In this tutorial, we will teach you the detailed step-by-step process to do the composting in your house. Let's go!
Materials needed:
1- Compost bin. This can be a wooden, plastic, or metal box with a lid and drainage holes to allow air circulation.
2- Compostable materials: fruit and vegetable scraps, food scraps, coffee grounds, dry leaves, sawdust, plant prunings, among others.
Avoid adding leftover meat, bones, fish, and fats, as they can attract unwanted animals.
3- Shovel: to mix the materials in the composter.
4- Water: to maintain adequate humidity in the compost bin.
1. Choose the composter:
Choose a model that suits your needs and available space. Compost bins come in a variety of sizes and shapes, so choose the one that best suits you.
2. Position the composter:
Choose a suitable location for your compost bin, preferably near your growing area. Make sure the location is easily accessible and has good air circulation.
3. Place a layer of dry material:
At the bottom of the compost bin, add a layer of dry leaves, sawdust, or straw. These materials will help absorb excess moisture and improve drainage.
4. Add the organic remains:
Start adding organic waste to the compost bin. Try alternating layers of moist materials, such as fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and food scraps.
Layers of dry materials, such as dried leaves and sawdust, will help balance the moisture content of the compost bin.
5. Mix the materials:
Using a shovel, mix the materials in the composter from time to time to encourage decomposition and proper aeration.
Make sure the materials are well mixed.
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6. Water the composter:
Check the moisture content of the compost bin regularly. If it's too dry, water it to maintain adequate moisture.
However, be careful not to soak the composter, as this can harm the decomposition process.
7. Cover the compost bin:
Place the lid on the compost bin to prevent animals from entering and to ensure a dark environment conducive to decomposition.
8. Wait for decomposition:
Decomposition time can vary depending on the materials used and environmental conditions. In general, it takes 2 to 6 months to obtain a ready-to-use organic fertilizer.
9. Use the fertilizer:
When the material is completely decomposed, you will have a nutrient-rich organic fertilizer to use on your plants and gardens.
Spread the fertilizer on the plants and incorporate it into the soil for best results with the community composting.
🐛 Composting with Worms (Vermicomposting)
A very efficient and quick alternative to composting at home is using Californian earthworms, in what we call vermicompostingEarthworms accelerate the decomposition of organic waste and produce humus that is even richer in nutrients.
Benefits of vermicomposting:
Production of worm humus, one of the most powerful and natural fertilizers.
Reduction of composting time (on average 1 to 3 months).
Ideal for small spaces and apartments.
Also produces liquid biofertilizer (leachate), excellent for watering plants.
What is needed:
A worm farm (can be purchased or made with stackable buckets).
Californian earthworms (Eisenia fetida).
Organic waste (the same used in regular composting).
A shaded and ventilated place.
With some basic care, vermicomposting becomes a practical, clean and extremely effective way of transforming organic waste into life for the soil!
Conclusion
Done! Now you've learned how to do it. composting in your home. Remember to maintain a routine of adding organic waste and mixing the materials regularly for efficient composting.
Also, avoid adding unnatural materials such as plastics and metals.
With the recycling and composting, you will be contributing to reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainability in your home.
Congratulations on the initiative!
🚫 Common Composting Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
When starting to compost at home, it's natural to make some mistakes that can hinder the process. Below, we've listed the most common mistakes and how to correct them:
1. Adding inappropriate materials
❌ Error: Add meat, bones, dairy or fatty foods.
✅ Correction: Use only organic plant waste, such as fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and dried leaves.
2. Compost bin too dry or too wet
❌ Error: Lack of moisture prevents decomposition; excess causes bad odor.
✅ Correction: The compost should be as moist as a damp sponge. If it's dry, spray it with water. If it's soggy, add dry material (leaves, sawdust).
3. Do not mix materials regularly
❌ Error: Compacted layers hinder aeration and can generate odors.
✅ Correction: Turn the materials every 7–10 days to oxygenate the compost bin.
4. Lack of balance between dry and wet materials
❌ Error: Only (wet) food scraps generate excess moisture and bad odors.
✅ Correction: Always alternate dry materials (leaves, shredded cardboard, sawdust) with wet waste.
❓ FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about Home Composting
1. What is composting?
It is the process of transforming organic waste (such as food scraps and leaves) into natural fertilizer, through decomposition.
2. What can I put in the compost bin?
✔️ Fruit and vegetable peels
✔️ Fat-free food scraps
✔️ Coffee grounds and tea bags
✔️ Dry leaves and sawdust
3. What can't go in the compost bin?
❌ Meat, bones, dairy products, fats
❌ Plastics, metals and glass
❌ Pet feces
4. Does the compost bin smell bad?
No, as long as it is well balanced between dry and wet materials, and is properly aerated.