The Renter’s Guide to Composting: How and Why to Do It

Composting is one of the simplest ways to reduce waste and make your own organic fertilizer. Likewise, it’s undemanding to do with few straightforward tools. You can still compost your food waste, even if you’re renting a Windermere apartment or home. Just the same, though, there are some rather important things you’ll be obligated to know to begin. This valuable guide will offer an overview of the practice of composting and the steps you can take to correctly start composting your food scraps.

What is composting?

Composting is the way of breaking down organic matter, such as food scraps and yard waste, into a nutrient-rich soil amendment. The end product, regarded as compost, can be used to significantly increase the quality of your garden soil. Composting is an appropriate way to reduce waste, save money on fertilizer, and help the environment.

What can be composted?

Essentially any organic material can be composted, except some items break down more rapidly than others. Food scraps, for instance, fruits and vegetables, coffee grounds, and eggshells are all decent candidates for composting. Yard waste, for example, leaves, grass clippings, and twigs can further be composted.

How to start composting

If you’re agreeable and ready to begin composting, here are the steps you can take:

1. Find a section for your compost bin. This can be the perfect spot for your container if you have a small balcony or patio. Just ensure that it’s in a sunny location so the ingredients will break down sufficiently.
2. Decide on the best type of bin. There are markedly different compost bins available, so research to get the one that best suits your needs. A whole lot of containers are perfectly designed for indoor use, while many others are nice for outdoor spaces.
3. Gather your compostable materials. Countless kitchen scraps can be composted, including fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and eggshells. You can also add yard waste, for instance, leaves and grass clippings to your bin.
4. Add water to the bin if desired. The ingredients in your bin need to be moist to break down effortlessly, so make sure to add water if the bin starts to look dry.
5. Turn the contents of the bin quite regularly. This will help oxygenate the materials and speedily move the composting process.
6. When finally the compost is ready, it should be dark and crumbly. It can then be entirely added to your garden or used as mulch around your plants.

How to use compost

Compost can be used in different modes. Here are some ideas:

• Apply it as a soil amendment in a garden or planter. Compost can be mixed into the soil to substantially increase drainage and aeration. It can further help retain moisture and add nutrients to the soil.
• Use it as mulch. Spread a layer of compost around your plants to help manage weeds and retain moisture.
• Use it as a fertilizer. Compost can be used to fertilize your plants. Fully mix it into the soil around the base of the plant.
• Use it to develop a potting mix. Compost can be joined with other ingredients, for example, perlite or vermiculite, to produce a potting mix for your indoor plants.
• Use it to have compost tea. This liquid fertilizer can be developed by steeping compost in water for several days. It can then be freely applied to fertilize your plants or to water seedlings.

Composting is a suitable way to diminish your environmental impact and help your garden or houseplants flourish. By applying these simple and helpful tips, you can very swiftly compost at home, even if you’re renting.

 

Are you in the market for a new rental home – plausibly one with more outdoor space for composting and fulfilling your green thumb? If this is you, talk to one of our Windermere property managers today or view our listings online.