Composting Intentions
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We bought bags of compost to add to our raised beds a few weeks ago. It was strange to think, while mixing the compost in with the soil and other amendments, that I could have created compost on my own, if I'd only just tried a little.
But, no worries. I wasn't born knowing everything. Gaining insight into things is probably the most exciting part of being a grown-up (except when they're poignant, heavy insights. Then I'm all like "yup. miss being a kid.")
So soil needs compost and compost can be made from waste. Sounds like a pretty simple process that will yield many benefits for my garden.
Common sense, right? I'm gettin' into composting. (next up: cowboys)
After I've got my mind set on something, the first step is to do the research. I Googled the dickens out of composting and (of course) was offered a range of sites sharing info on the basics of composting.
I learned a thing or two (or sixty). From only a few posts I was able to grasp the basics of composting from a purely academic level.
I knew intuitively that compost was good for soil, but I learned (more specifically):
Benefits:
Soil conditioner
Recycles kitchen and yard waste
Reduces landfill waste
and here's a fact to freak you out (italics intended) - did you know that one third of landfill waste is made up of compostible materials? ...from eartheasy.
Oh no you did-n't, humans. Way to ignore the fact that you could make a perfectly wonderful soil amendment out of your cuke peels and eggshells. (I'm guilty.)
Other featured compostibles include (also from eartheasy):
wood chips/pellets
corn cobs
shredded paper (non-glossy, no color)
tea leaves
wood ash
coffee grounds
chicken manure (yet to come!)
fruit and veggie scraps
Some things, however, can NOT be put in compost.
These include:
meat, bones, or fish scraps (unless you're processing thermophilic-style)
perennial weeds
pet manures (if compost will be used for food crops)
banana or peach peels (not because they themselves are toxic, but the pesticides on them might be.)
orange rinds
black walnut leaves
So I have a basic idea of what I'm going to be able to put into my compost from the stuff that's usually considered waste around the house: lots of veggie and fruit scraps, tea leaves, eggshells, coffee grounds and shredded paper.
What kind of composting set-up am I going to use? I'm not sure yet. I actually have to converse with my landmates (as I will now start calling everyone I share this piece of land with) about what style they want to use. A strawbale bin? Do we want to build one ourselves or buy a fancy one?
Having read the info on the sites I've linked, I now have some basic info to give my landmates (in hopes that we can all come to an agreement on what style to use).
I'm anxious to get started, to have one of those cute ceramic or metal tubs under the sink, holding safe all my produce bits and ends.
Do you compost? Have you any interest?
To start off your research with a little visual stimulation, check out Composting on Pinterest.
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