How to Compost

Before we can learn how to do it, we must first understand what composting is.

Composting is Mother Nature's own recycling system!!

It is a natural Biological process where various microorganisms like fungi and bacteria feed on organic waste – mostly vegetable or manure -and break it down into a fluffy, arable, nutrient-rich soil known as humus.

This is the same process that plants go through when they decay and are recycled in the ecosystem.

There is a widely spread misconception that composting is a “controlled process” . The reality is that all organic matter, independent of specific conditions and weather patterns will eventually break down into compost over time, but the decomposition process can be slow.

Faced with a growing shortage of landfills for our garbage, we have to work together and accelerate this decomposition process by finding the best ways to break down large amounts of organic waste. Among all the different activities you can participate in to help the environment (slowing down on fuel consumption, conserving water, recycling…), home composting is one of the most beneficial.

Another misconception is that composting is very difficult and very time consuming...

Composting is a very basic process. Under the right environmental circumstances, the process virtually runs itself.

You could just start by piling up your grass clippings and leaves in your backyard and let nature do the rest.

Although, if you want to do more for your part in helping the environment, you can help the process along by making sure that the microorganisms (bacteria, fungi… who will be doing all the work) are well fed and have a proper home.

See??? Not so hard. And think about it: Almost anything that once lived – or came from a living organism – is a candidate for composting!!

What percentage of your garbage is made up of something “that once lived”? (fruits, peel, vegetables, meat, -even paper if you can’t get it recycled!). If everyone participated in composting, can you imagine the difference it would make for our landfills and water treatment facilities?

Now… for the best part, think of all the money spent every year on expensive fertilizers and premium topsoil. Why do people go out and spend money for this, when they could get it for free? You heard me…. FREE!

Compost, derived from waste that would normally have been thrown away, is a free and effective fertilizer, ideal in your garden, lawn or in your potted plants. Go through this site and learn more about compost and what it can do for your lawn and garden.