What is compost, and what is composting?
Compost is organic material that is added to soil to help plants grow. Composting is the process through which we prepare compost. This is done by creating an environment for food, plant and organic waste to decompose. Over time, the decomposed material turns into a fertiliser that is rich in nutrients. This fertiliser is often called ‘black gold’ by farmers.
What are the benefits of composting?
A better way to dispose of waste is to use it to make compost. Composting is an excellent way to recycle organic waste. This is especially important since most of the waste we generate at home is kitchen and garden waste. Adding compost to soil also improves its health and lessens soil erosion.
Is it possible to compost at home?
To compost at home, it is necessary to have a composting bin. You can purchase one from your local market easily. The first step is to keep adding food waste, grass, coffee, dead leaves, papers, etc. to the bin. All these materials must be cut into small pieces for compost to form.
Keep adding water to the mixture to keep it slightly wet. Be sure to mix the mixture regularly. The whole process of making compost can take a few months. The mixture is ready when it becomes dark brown and crumbly, smelling like soil instead of rotting vegetables.
Can I put everything in my composting bin?
You can easily put waste from your garden (leaves, grass, weeds, sticks, etc.), fruits and vegetable peels, eggshells, tea bags, paper, and cardboard boxes. Other things such as dairy products, meat or fish bones and pet waste should not be put in the composting bin.
