Do-It-Yourself Composting

Have you ever thought about composting but was not sure where to begin? If so here is everything that you need to know to begin composting. From what you can compost, methods you can use, and even how to build your own composter for much less than buying one new. Here is all you need to know about do-it-yourself composting.

Let's start with what is composting. In simple terms composting is the breaking down, or decomposition, of biodegradable matter. Composting happens naturally anywhere that plants grow. When leaves, flowers, and other parts of the plants fall to the ground they begin to decompose. The nutrients stored in these plants are then released into the soil to aid the growth of other plants. Composting at home is controlling the decomposition of the matter rather than letting nature take its course. By maintaining the materials being composted and using various methods the natural breaking down is sped up to quickly produce the rich substance perfect for houseplants and gardens.

You might be asking "Why composting?" Choosing to compost your scraps and using the results in your garden has several benefits for both you and the earth. Adding composted scraps can give you healthier, stronger plants from the improved soil that it creates. The soil becomes lighter and more absorbant, it can soften extreme alkaline or acidic soil, it increases micronutrients in the soil such as copper and magnesium, and it improves water penetration in sandy or clay soils. not to mention that earthworms love it, and earthworms are great for any garden as they aerate the soil and their castings are a great source of nutrients.

Composting is also great for the earth in that waste that was once headed to the landfill is now being used in your garden. By composting you can reduce your waste output, which not only reduces pollution it also means less space that is being used as landfill. Imagine if everyone composted their scraps how much less trash would be generated!