Grower Today

Category: Soils & Plant Nutrients

  • How Long does it Take to Make Compost?

    How Long does it Take to Make Compost?

    Well, the answer to that question depends on a lot of factors.

    On average, it can take up to six months for your compost pile to fully decompose. Like I mentioned earlier, it depends on a lot of factors. For your compost pile to decompose quickly, you will need to ensure that the right conditions are in place.

    When you decide to make a compost pile, you should have it at the back of your mind that it doesn’t happen overnight. Your compost pile can take anywhere between a few months or years to be ready for use. If you want to harvest your compost faster, you will have to put in the necessary work.

    Factors that Affect Composting Time 

    It doesn’t matter the type of materials you toss into your compost pile; the duration it takes for compost to be ready for use depends on the following factors

    1.    Temperature 

    The temperature needed for composting to take place ranges from 32 degrees Fahrenheit to 158 degrees Fahrenheit. 

    2.    Shape and Size 

    The shape and size of your compost materials also determine how long it will take for it to be ready. This is because a large material takes longer to decompose compared to when you break them down into smaller pieces.

    How Long does it take to Make Compost?

    3.    Density 

    Density is another factor that determines how long it takes for compost to be ready. Heavy materials like wood fibers will take a longer time to decompose compared to straws. Reducing the density of the materials you add to your compost bin will help to speed up the decay process. Hence, making sure that your compost is ready sooner.

    4.    Size of Compost Pile 

    The size of the compost pile also determines the composting time. If you pile up too many materials, you should expect it to take longer to decompose compared to when you are composting in a small bin. You can speed up the composting rate by making use of small piles or composting in batches.

    5.    Water and Air 

    Moisture and air are other important elements that need to be right for composting to take place. Your compost materials need to get enough air and moisture for the decomposition to take place. You can speed things up by ensuring you water the bin regularly and turn the pile. We will talk more about this later in the post.

    Best Season to Compost 

    Many of our readers ask us what the best time is to make a compost bin. In practice, composting takes place faster in a warm environment with the right amount of moisture. This is why compost tumblers and hot bins compost materials faster than when left in a pile.

    Summertime or any other season will be okay to start a compost pile. But we do not advise you to start one in winter. This is because the pile wouldn’t get the required heat to start the decomposition process. This means that the pile will only begin to decompose once spring sets in.

    How Long does it Take to Make Compost? 

    Like we mentioned earlier, it can take between three to six months to get your compost pile to fully decay with the right factors in place. There are certain things you can do to speed up the time it takes for your compost pile to be ready. We have broken them down for you below.

    How to Make Compost Faster? 

    You can speed up the compost time by ensuring that:

    • Use the Right Materials 

    if you add the right materials in your compost, there will not be any issues with the decomposition process. Include the green and brown materials in the right ratio and there wouldn’t be any issues with your compost. If you want to harvest your compost faster, you need to use waste that can decompose quickly. Some examples of nitrogen-rich green materials you can use include grass clippings, vegetables, fruits, while carbon-rich brown materials include paper, wood chips, sawdust, and straw.

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    • Use a Large Bin 

    If you are composing in a bin, you should endeavor to make use of a large bin. This is because the materials decompose quickly when they have enough space to retain the heat produced in the container. A small size bin will not be able to produce enough heat like a large one. Also, you should opt for plastic bins instead of wooden ones. Compost bins made out of wood do not retain much heat compared to plastic ones.

    • Shred the Materials 

    Before adding any material into the compost bin, you should ensure that it has been shredded into tiny pieces. Adding large-sized materials inside your compost bin only further delays the decomposition process. Shred the papers, trim the grasses, and breakdown the wood into pieces. This makes it easier for the worms and nature to work on the materials quicker than when they are not broken down.

    • Add Moisture 

    You can also speed up the compost time by making sure that the pile is wet. You don’t need to flood the bin with water, a little sprinkle every two or three days will be enough to kick start the decay of the materials in the bin.

    How Long does it take to Make Compost?

    • Turn the Pile 

    This is important if you want to harvest your compost quickly. Turning the pile makes it possible for heat and air to get to all parts of the bin. It also ensures that all the materials get enough heat and moisture. You can make use of a rake to turn the pile once or twice a week. I suggest you do this often if you have the time. This will help the materials to settle in the bin and also encourage the activities of the microorganism needed to speed up the decay.

    • Use a Compost Tumbler 

    A compost tumbler or rotating barrel as it is often called is a quick way to compost in an apartment. These compost tumblers are designed to save the stress and time associated with maintaining a compost pile. They also reduce the smell and make the whole process neat. Let’s not forget also that there are brands that can process compost in less than two weeks. So investing in a rotating barrel might be a good investment if you are looking to harvest your compost quickly.

    FAQ’s

    How quickly can you make compost?

    Many composting facilities are open for you to drop off your kitchen waste. The fastest way to compost is to use a home-composter, which you can set up at home. Home-composters are usually made from plastic or metal.

    You probably already know that the best way to make compost is to use green, brown, and black materials. But how much time do you have to spend on this process? The answer depends on several factors, including:

    What size container do you have? How much time do you want to spend on composting? Do you have a compost pile or an outdoor bin? What kind of soil do you have? If your garden soil is clay, then you may need to add more than a pound of peat moss per cubic foot. If it’s sandy, you might only need to add a half pound per cubic foot.

    In just a few weeks, you can create rich, black soil that holds moisture well and is loaded with nutrients. 

    You may have heard that it takes three to six months to make a good compost. But the reality is, it depends on how much compost material you have available and how often you feed it. Composting is not just a matter of throwing your kitchen scraps into a bin and waiting for the worms to come. It’s an active process that requires constant feeding to keep the compost going.

    The best way to get started with composting is to purchase a container, such as a trash can, or a large plastic bucket, and start your compost pile in your yard. It’s important to get a large enough bin to hold everything you have to add to it, and it should be located out of direct sunlight. If you don’t have a yard, you can use a small plastic trash can.

    Can you make compost in 2 weeks?

    Yes. The first pile you make should be started with one part leaves and one part manure. The leaves should be placed in the center of your pile with the manure on the outside. If your compost is left out in the weather, it will decompose more quickly.

    How do I tell when my compost is ready to use?

    If you’ve made a good pile that looks like brown earth, it’s probably ready for use. Remember, it’s not done until it’s dark enough for your chickens to lay their eggs in it!

    How can I speed up my compost decomposition?

    Compost is basically a pile of organic matter, and you want it to be damp so that the microbes can do their work.

    The more air space, the less likely they are to break down your food. This means that you need to cover the pile with some kind of lid or sheeting to keep out the air. You can add water to help the process along, but if you have a lot of it, you can drown the microbes.

    Conclusion 

    There is no straight answer to the question of how long does it take to make compost. It depends on the factors we have mentioned earlier. You can also speed up the decomposition process by adopting the methods mentioned above.

  • Can you Compost Coffee Filters?

    Can you Compost Coffee Filters?

    Composting is one of the methods you can use to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. It can also be a good way to provide your plants with additional nutrients that will be of benefit to them. 

    One of the problems most gardeners face when it comes to composting is what to include in the compost pile. If you are wondering if you can compost coffee filters, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will be talking about some of the few things you can compost with and those you shouldn’t add to your compost pile. 

    Can you Compost Coffee Filters?

    You obviously must have read online or somewhere else that you can include coffee grounds in your compost mix. It is true; you can include coffee grounds with their filters into your compost pile. This is because they are wet and can decompose in the shortest possible time. 

    The filters may dry out if you leave them like that on top of the pile in dry weather. This is why you should initiate the decomposition process by ensuring that the filters are moist. This is the same thing you would do with newspapers, cartons, and other paper materials you include in your compost. 

    Can you Compost Coffee Filters?

    You could also include coffee filters into worm compost. The worms compost the filter very quickly depending on the number of worms you have in your factory. As a rule, you should shred coffee filters before including it in a compost tumbler. 

    If you notice that the coffee filters do not compost completely, you can simply transfer the materials that don’t breakdown into a new compost pile. I noticed that the brown coffee filters are quick to decompose while the white chlorinated coffee filters take longer to decompose. So you might want to switch to the brown filters if you are experiencing delays with the other kinds. 

    How to Add Coffee Filters to Compost

    The way you add your coffee filters to your compost pile determines if it will decompose or not. I have noticed that if the filters are left out in the open, it is difficult for them to decompose. You can speed things up by covering it with soil or better still using it in a compost tumbler. 

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    Papers such as coffee filters are a good carbon source in compost. But before you toss them into the pile, it is important that you shred them to tiny pieces and ensure they are moist. Also, coffee filters that are made from synthetic materials such as plastic, vinyl, and metal do not decompose easily (that’s if they ever do). This is why you should only use coffee filters that are biodegradable. 

    Check that your coffee filter isn’t bleached or mixed with any synthetic chemicals. This is important if you are looking to maintain an organic garden. 

    Using Coffee Grounds in your Compost

    There have been some concerns as to the safety of coffee grounds in the compost pile. The fact still remains that coffee is a rich source of nitrogen in your compost. This makes it one of the best green materials you can include in composting. But since coffee is acidic in nature, there are speculations that it could change the pH of your pile. The fact is that most of the acid is used up in making your coffee drink and any residue left would be perfect for including in your compost. 

    Other Ways to Use Coffee Grounds in Your Garden

    Coffee grounds are beneficial to your plants and shouldn’t be tossed away in the trash after use. You can collect them for use in your garden to 

    • Use in Mulching

    Adding coffee grounds to your soil helps to improve the nitrogen content. It also helps to improve the soil structure and texture of the soil due to the activity of earthworms. When the coffee grounds are placed on top of the soil, they help the soil to retain moisture and suppress the growth of weed. This is one of the problems you would encounter in your garden and coffee grounds might just be the solution you need. 

    As the coffee ground decomposes into the soil, they help to improve the fertility of the soil. This ensures that your plants are provided with nutrients to support healthy growth and development. 

    Can you Compost Coffee Filters?

    • Add to a Worm Bin

    You could also include your coffee grounds in a worm bin. This is because the worms like to feed on a little coffee. You should, however, be careful not to include too much in your worm bin. This is due to the acidic nature of the coffee grounds. Too much of it in your worm bin can cause the worms to die. A cup of coffee ground a week is good enough to include in a worm bin. 

    • Use as a Liquid Fertilizer

    FAQ’s

    Are coffee filters compostable?

    Yes, if they are clean. The best way to be sure is to remove the filter from the grounds and put them in a plastic bag. Place the bag in your garbage or recycling bin. Coffee filters are made of cellulose, so they will decompose quite quickly.

    The paper used for coffee filter material is usually not completely biodegradable, so it might take longer than you think for the filter paper to break down. If you have a home composter, this might be an easier way to dispose of your coffee filters than throwing them in the garbage.

    Coffee filters can come in different sizes and shapes, but there are basically only two types: paper filters and disposable paper filters. Paper filters are the most common because they are cheap and easy to use. You can buy them at any grocery store, but if you want a reusable filter, then you will need to purchase the disposable paper filters.

    Regular coffee filters are biodegradable, but you should not use them as they are designed for a particular purpose. They are made of polypropylene and cellulose fibers.They are not designed for use in a compost bin or similar.

    Are compostable coffee filters worth it?

    Yes! Compostable coffee filters are a great alternative to paper coffee filters that end up in the trash.

    They break down completely into compost, making them perfect for gardeners, farmers and composters.

    Can I use coffee filters as fertilizer?

    If you are looking for a way to recycle coffee filters without actually having to use a composter or compost, then here is a great idea: Take the coffee filters and cut them into small pieces. Then place them in a glass jar with a lid. You can use the coffee filters as a fertilizer for your garden, which will help your plants grow.

    How much do we throw away in coffee filters?

    Compostable coffee filters are a great alternative to paper coffee filters, but there’s a lot of debate about whether they are worth the extra effort.

    Coffee filters are a huge source of waste. Every year, Americans use between 10 billion and 30 billion paper coffee filters. That’s about 0.2 percent of all the paper that Americans use, and it’s more than many of us realize. The filters are often made of paper or some type of non-woven fabric.

    The researchers analyzed data from the city of Vancouver and found that one-third of households didn’t recycle their coffee filters.

    Are coffee filters green or brown compost?

    They are considered to be a green element compost due to the fact that they have a high nitrogen content.

    Conclusion

    You can also use coffee grounds as a liquid fertilizer to your garden. You don’t have to make use of leftover coffee as a liquid fertilizer for your plants. This is because like we earlier mentioned, it is acidic and can be toxic to plants when added in excess. Instead, pour 2 cups of coffee grounds in five gallons of water. Then allow the coffee grounds to steep for about 12 hours. After which you can then use the resulting liquid as a foliar feed for your plants. 

    Can you Compost Coffee Filters?

    Now that we have answered the question can you compost coffee filters, we are certain that you will be including it in your compost bin. You should remember that it is important that the filters should be of the biodegradable type. The ones made from brown papers are a better option. 

    You should also endeavor to moisten the coffee filters and tear them into tiny pieces before tossing them into your pile. In the case of compost tumblers, you should also do the same thing if you want to harvest your nutrients in a week or two. 

    What are the materials you include in your compost bin? We will like you to share your secret with us.

  • Key Components in Making the Best Compost for Tomatoes

    Key Components in Making the Best Compost for Tomatoes

    Tomatoes are one of the staples in most plant-based cuisine. However, just knowing where to get them isn’t enough. If you want to have a steady supply of fresh and naturally produced tomatoes, you must also know how to grow them yourself.

    When it comes to planting, composting is one of the key factors. If you’re struggling to make compost on your own, then don’t worry. We have prepared some of the key components you can take into account to help you make the best compost for tomatoes.

    Farm-to-Table Initiative

    The rise to vegan and organic dining had people thinking where their food is coming from – a questioned answered by the Farm-to-Table movement. With that, it’ll be less of a worry for you if you planted your own fruits and vegetables. 

    At the very least, you get to be sure that your food won’t contain any harmful chemicals and insecticides.

    Key Components in Making the Best Compost for Tomatoes

    Growing Area

    Tomatoes thrive under the sunlight. In fact, they require 8 hours of direct sunlight, that is why you must place them in a strategically sunny area. They also need lots of water and aerated soil. The area must also be full of nutrients and fit for planting.

    Soil Preparation

    When working on the soil, include composting materials like peat moss, well-rotted manure, or leaf mold. Tomatoes grow well in soil with a pH level of 6.5 to 7.0 which is nearly neutral. You may add lime to achieve the desired acidity level.

    Nutrient Requirement

    Every plant requires a different combination of elements that will work best for them in terms of fruit yield or blossom. Fertilizers are composed mainly of three key elements: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). 

    Each of these elements contributes to the fruit yield, size, plant height, and the number of branches.

    One of the things you should not include is urea and ammonium nitrate in your fertilizer as they can be toxic to the seedlings. Aside from that, they may also cause plant injury when placed in close proximity to the plant.

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    Compost Chemistry

    Various key elements serve a purpose in your compost, and the elements that make up your compost will determine its composition. They’re as follows:

    Nitrogen (N)

    • Vital for plant cell growth and function
    • Part of the chlorophyll component that creates the green pigment in leaves
    • Speeds up the growth of shoots and buds
    • Results in higher fruit yield and bigger fruit size

    Phosphorus (P)

    • Regulates protein synthesis for the plants
    • Allows the plant to produce strong roots, rich foliage, and plenty of flowers

    Potassium (K)

    • Aids in photosynthesis and the plant’s intake of carbon dioxide
    • Increases your plant’s resistance to drought and temperature changes
    • Increases resistance to insects and pests
    • Produces fruits that ripen evenly

    Carbon (C)

    • Serves as the energy source for the entire process of decomposition
    • Can be taken from wood and paper inclusions
    • Must work hand-in-hand with nitrogen in order to be processed properly

    Oxygen (O)

    • Can be included through soil aeration
    • Used for producing carbon dioxide
    • Insufficiency of oxygen will make the process anaerobic, thereby limiting microbial activity and causing odors

    Trace Minerals (Calcium, Iron, Boron, Copper, etc.) 

    • Aid greatly in microbial processes involved in decomposition
    • Act as supplements for the main components to ensure good results

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    pH Balance

    • When beginning the compost, a pH rating between 5.5 and 8.5 works best
    • A controlled pH encourages the growth of mold and fungi
    • Assists in the breaking down of cellulose linings

    Why Compost?

    You can do your composts indoors and in your backyard depending on your space availability. However, you might wonder: why is there a need to compost?

    The answer is pretty simple. Composting offers a handful of benefits aside from reducing your garbage and lowering your carbon footprint. It does the following as well:

    • Reduces your use of synthetic and chemical fertilizer
    • Gives you a specific disposal area for your biodegradable garbage
    • Allows you to customize the nutrient composition for each plant you grow
    • Produces a healthier yield due to the reduced artificial/ synthetic content
    • Encourages the natural growth and production of fungi and bacteria that aid in the production of humus, a nutrient-rich material you can use for all your plants

    Compost Basics

    Given the ratio of nitrogen: phosphorus: potassium, we have this to consider in the attempt to make the most effective and best compost for tomatoes. Generally included in a compost are as follows:

    General Compost Inclusions 

    • Avian waste (poultry droppings)
    • Animal waste (horse, pig, cattle droppings)
    • Browns and Greens/ agricultural waste (dead leaves, grass cuttings, twigs, selected vegetables, and fruits)
    • Water

    Inclusions to Avoid

    • Synthetic fertilizers or additives
    • Dog and cat poop
    • Fish and meat scraps
    • Non-biodegradable material

    Note: Refrain from including onions and citrus peels to your compost! Yes, they are biodegradable, but they contain chemicals that can kill microorganisms. As a result, they end up delaying the entire decomposition process.

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    Chemical Composition 

    In conclusion to a study conducted in 2013, this information contains the nutrient composition of avian waste, animal waste, and agricultural waste. The following data was published by the European Center for Research Training and Development.

    Avian waste has considerably higher nitrogen (N) content, lowest phosphorus (P) content, and highest potassium (K) content out of the three.

    Animal waste has the lowest nitrogen (N) content, highest phosphorus (P) content, and the lowest potassium (K) content.

    Meanwhile, browns and greens have the median content for all three elements.

    With this in mind, the study concludes that a higher nitrogen content should be considered in order to create the best compost for tomatoes. The compost may still include the general inclusions, but you can add a little bit more of poultry droppings for that nitrogen boost. 

    Key Components in Making the Best Compost for Tomatoes

    FAQ’s

    What are the types of composts that are used for tomatoes?

    There are two types of compost used for growing tomatoes: “compost” and “composted manure.” Compost has been composted, or “cooked,” by microbes to break down organic matter into humus. This compost is usually sold in 5-gallon containers. Composted manure is compost that has been “decomposed” by microbes from livestock manure.

    It is often sold in bulk or as a liquid in bags. The liquid manure is diluted with water and sold as fertilizer. If you want to use “compost,” you’ll need to decide how long you want your compost to be effective for. If you want it to be effective for several years, keep adding new material to the pile every year. If you want it to last only until next spring, then add new material every other year. 

    “Compost” refers to the finished product, not the raw ingredients. “Composted manure” is manure that has been “decomposed” by microbes. Both types of compost can be used to fertilize tomatoes. The best time to add compost is after the last frost. 

    What is the best soil mixture for tomatoes?

    It depends on the climate where you live and the type of soil you have. A general rule of thumb is to add compost to your soil (organic matter), but a great mix would be a combination of compost, blood meal and bone meal. If you’re in a dry climate and you don’t have much soil, you can just plant in peat moss, sand or perlite.

    How do you make compost for tomatoes?

    If you want to make your own compost, first pick a location that is not too hot or cold. Next, find a source of organic material, such as grass clippings, leaves, or other yard waste. Spread this material on top of a layer of newspaper (or cardboard).

    Then add a layer of soil. Finally, cover with more organic material. This is the simplest method of composting and will work fine for small amounts of materials.

    It is not a great idea to use kitchen waste on your garden. It’s better to use it as mulch around the plants in your garden, and to add it to your compost pile. Kitchen waste can contain things that could be harmful to plants, like pesticides and chemicals from cleaning products.

    What is the best compost to grow tomatoes in?

    The question of what is the best compost for growing tomatoes has been asked by thousands of gardeners. The short answer is that no one compost will produce the best results for all varieties of tomatoes. What works well for one type of tomato, may not work for another variety of tomato.

    It is also important to remember that a compost heap should not be used as an organic fertilizer in place of regular fertilization. Compost is a natural fertilizer, but it is not a substitute for good organic fertilizer. Composting is the act of breaking down organic material into smaller pieces that are easier to handle. These smaller pieces are then added back into the soil or placed in the yard.

    Things to Remember

    Now you know what is basically needed in making the best compost for tomatoes, here are a few more tips and tricks to keep in mind:

    • Keep the compost moist
    • Avoid non-biodegradables
    • Avoid leftovers and foul-smelling waste that may attract pests
    • Situate the compost pit in a shady area
    • Cover the pit
    • You’ll know it is ready to be used once the material becomes a rich and dark-colored mush
    • It takes time and may take anywhere from months to years, but it’ll be worth it

    Hopefully, the information above will help you know what you need in order to make an effective compost for your tomato plants. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to leave a comment below.

    As always, thanks for reading, and don’t forget to share this information with your gardener friends!

  • How Does a Compost Toilet Work?

    How Does a Compost Toilet Work?

    How does a compost toilet work? Are you interested to know how this is made and what this is for? If you are, then this informative guide will provide you with everything that you need to know about compost toilets. 

    Knowing what compost toilets are, whether you’re going to make one now or not, is beneficial as you’re given another option when it comes to managing waste. This allows you to consider your options. So, read below to know more about them:

    What is a Compost Toilet?

    For those who are not familiar with what compost toilets are, they are basically just like your typical toilet. However, there are some differences as to how these toilets are made. 

    To put it simply, a composting toilet or a biological or dry toilet is a sewage-treatment system that’s used to decompose human wastes, then making them into a nitrogen-rich material. As water is not needed here unlike your traditional toilet, costs are significantly reduced. 

    These composting toilets decompose the waste and take the phosphorus and nitrogen content in them, which can be used locally and for a variety of uses. As these don’t use water, these compost toilets are often seen in rural areas where water is scarce. However, they’re now being used in suburban and institutional areas as well. 

    For urbanized places, compost toilets are still rarely seen because of stringent health regulations. Also, the lack of space is a concern here. Despite this, more and more environmentally conscious people are becoming more interested in these toilets.

    How Does a Compost Toilet Work?

    Now that you’re aware of what these toilets are, it’s now time that you know how they work. In this way, you’ll be more informed and appreciative of this type of toilet.

    Basically, a compost toilet simply acts as a storage and is a very straightforward type of toilet. This type of waste management mostly does the work through the process of human waste decomposition in this kind of setting. 

    To put it simply, composting toilets just take advantage of the natural decomposition and evaporation process. As the waste excreted from humans are mostly made out of the water, while it’s evaporating, the air derived from this is sent to the compost toilet’s vent system, leaving you with a small amount of solid that’s left inside the compost toilet. The solid material that’s left is then processed to be used as fertilizer or other useful resources.

    So, principally, a compost toilet is just like how a garden composter works, which manipulates the environment inside the chamber to transform human waste into something that’s useful. What makes this unique is that the environment inside the compost toilet is just enough to create the perfect setting – with the right mix of heat, oxygen, moisture, and organic material – to make fertilizer. 

    How to Make a DIY Compost Toilet at Home?

    If you want to make one at home as you’re now convinced of its benefits, it’s pretty easy to make, so you can surely make one right now as long as you prepare all of the materials needed. Here are what you need and the steps to make a compost toilet:

    Materials Needed

    • Medical toilet seat
    • 2 5-gallon buckets
    • A plant pot that would fit inside the 5-gallon bucket
    • Subsoil
    • Red worms
    • Compost

    Steps to Make a Compost Toilet

    The steps are pretty straightforward. This is just a simple compost toilet, so you can surely make other DIYs too. However, this one is a basic and simple one that you can do:

    Step 1: Place the medical toilet set in a secluded area with enough ventilation.

    Step 2: Nearby, prepare the buckets. One bucket will be used for pee, and the other one will be used for poop.

    Step 3: Also, place the sawdust near the area as well. After using the compost toilet, sprinkle sawdust in the buckets. 

    Step 4: When the bucket is full, you can transfer the wastes, after they’re being dried out, in the compost pit that you have at home.

    Benefits of a Compost Toilet

    Compost toilets are easy to make, and you can even make your own DIY that’s unique as long as you’re using the basic materials needed. They’re very flexible as it’s just a very simple contraption that you can make at home. 

    That’s why you’re encouraged to experiment and make of your own. With a compost toilet at home, you’ll surely get a lot of benefits, and here are some of them:

    • Affordable – These are surely an affordable alternative than the traditional toilets as they don’t use water.  
    • Positive Impact – When added at home, they give a positive impact as they help you in a lot of ways, from gardening to saving you money.
    • Space-Saver – As they don’t need a water connection, you can install them basically anywhere. 
    • Minimal Maintenance – Because you don’t have to keep the compost toilet wet, you don’t have to really keep on maintaining it, making it hassle-free.
    • Environmentally-Friendly – Compost toilets are excellent when you want to use organic fertilizer. So, because you’re not using any pesticides, you are actually saving the environment. 

    How Does a Compost Toilet Work

    These are some of the benefits when you’re going to install a compost toilet at home. What’s great about this is that as it’s already quite popular, if you’re not too confident making a DIY compost pit, you can always ask for professional help. They’re accessible and some are affordable too. 

    FAQ’s

    What is a compost toilet?

    Composting toilets are a modern innovation that allows you to use your waste as fertilizer without having to pay for an expensive septic system.

    A composting toilet is a type of low-tech toilet that uses waste from the human body to create fertilizer. The process works by breaking down organic matter, such as food waste, paper, and other materials, using bacteria and other microorganisms.

    They are also known as “composting toilets”, “composting toilet” or “composting toilets”. The composting toilets work by using the biological process to decompose organic materials and turn them into useful soil-like material. The first composting toilets were invented in the year 1787 by Thomas Potter, an American businessman.

    He invented the first composting toilet in America. In this way, it is the earliest form of an ecological sanitation system. This method of converting human waste into fertilizer is commonly used in many developing countries.

    Are composting toilets popular?

    Composting toilets are becoming more popular, and are being used by a growing number of people. They are a simple, eco-friendly way to keep your septic tank from overflowing. These toilets collect human waste and use it as fertilizer for plants in the garden or yard. Remember that you do need a permit from the county to install a composting toilet.

    Where does the poop go in a composting toilet?

    It goes to a hole in the ground. If you look at any “poop” video, they’ll show the end of the toilet pipe dropping into the ground. Then there’s a hole in the ground and dirt or sand around it. When the toilet is full, it’s just a matter of shoveling the contents into the hole.

    How often do composting toilets have to be emptied?

    When you first set up your composting toilet, it will take a few days for the contents of the toilet to reach their full potential. During this time, there will be lots of organic matter and some solid waste that needs to be separated out. If you are composting in the winter months, then you should empty your toilet at least once a week or whenever there is a chance of snowfall.

    If you are not planning on using your composting toilet for more than a couple of weeks, then you can skip this step and continue with the rest of the instructions. However, if you are planning on composting for a long period of time, then you should empty the toilet at least once every two weeks. This will help you to break down any old material that has not been processed yet.

    Conclusion

    Now that you’re aware of what a compost toilet is and how it works, you can now install one at home. While they do have their own disadvantages, their benefits are several, making them worth it. However, it would still depend on your preferences, so do your research first before installing one at home.

    However, for those who are living in an area where water is scarce and where space is minimal, this surely is a great option to take. After all, it’s an eco-friendly alternative, so you’re sure that you’re doing the right thing when you add one into your home. 

  • How to Compost in Rotating Barrels 

    How to Compost in Rotating Barrels 

    Have you tried composting in a rotating barrel before? 

    A compost tumbler often referred to as a rotating barrel is one of the ways you can compost your kitchen waste. You can purchase a rotating barrel or a compost tumbler for use in your apartment building. Before you go looking for a good compost tumbler to buy, it is only right that you know how to compost in a rotating barrel. 

    In this article, we will be talking about the safest methods on how to engage in odorless composting; either indoors or outdoors with the help of a compost tumbler. 

    What is a Rotating Barrel?

    Rotating barrels are also called compost tumblers and are designed as an odorless and easy method of composting. They can be purchased at retail stores that deal on gardening tools and equipment both online and offline. They are available in different shapes and sizes which make it possible for you to find one that can fit into small spaces. 

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    They are a safe option if you are looking to compost indoors and can produce fresh compost from kitchen waste in a short period. The only downside to using a compost tumbler is that they limit the amount of waste you can compost at a time. When you make use of compost bins, you can add as much materials and can compost a lot which is the only advantage it has over rotating barrels. 

    Benefits of rotating Barrels 

    There are a lot of benefits if using a rotating barrel compared to compost bins and they include 

    • Makes Composting Easy

    A compost tumbler is designed to make composting easy. They save you the stress associated with composting since they require little labor. With backyard composting or compost bins, you have to keep cleaning and maintaining the compost bins which can be a lot of work. 

    • Clean Form of Composting 

    One of the problems associated with backyard composting is that it can be untidy. The materials smell when not properly arranged and can breed flies and vermin around your garden. With a rotating barrel, you get to avoid the sight of filthy looking compost since the entire unit is sealed. 

    • Produce rich compost in a short time

    If you want nutrient-rich compost in the shortest possible time, then you should consider getting a rotating barrel. They can break down kitchen waste to rich compost nutrients in 2 weeks. 

    How to Use a Rotating Barrel

    One of the problems of compost tumblers apart from the fact that a lot of them are expensive is that they can be difficult to turn. When the materials in the barrel are not properly turned, it becomes difficult for them to decompose which means you don’t get to harvest any nutrient for your plants. 

    A closed compost tumbler requires the right kind of conditions for it to perform its duties. With regular composting, you pile the materials on the ground and leave them for months for nature to act on it. They get direct sunlight and enough moisture to ensure that decomposition takes place. For you to get the best from your rotating tumblers, they have to be able to perform their duty which is to ensure that the materials are rotated to speed up the decomposition process. 

    Some quick tips to using a rotating barrel include 

    • You need to start the process by adding compost soil to the materials. If you can’t get compost soil, you can get compost activator of horse manure as they are also effective in speeding the decomposition process. 
    • Ensure that the materials you add to your rotating barrels are in the right ratio. A carbon to nitrogen ratio of 25 is a good fit for most compost tumblers. 
    • It is recommended that all materials are shredded to small pieces. This helps to speed up the decomposition process. 
    • The best way to use a rotating barrel is for batch production. Adding materials without following a batching system only makes it difficult for decomposition to take place. 
    • You want to also ensure that your materials are moist enough. This is a requirement if you want to get the best out of your compost. 
    • You can purchase a composter with dual compartments if you have too many materials that need to be composted. This makes it possible for you to produce compost in batches and never run out of nutrients. This is a good investment if you are in the business of turning kitchen waste to manure. 

    Before you Buy a Rotating Barrel

    It is important that you decide on the amount of compost you want to manufacture before buying a rotating barrel. This makes it possible for you to decide on the right size of tumbler that will meet your needs. If you will be using your compost tumblers in an apartment building, it is only right that you find a befitting space to keep it. They can be kept at the balcony or on an accessible rooftop. 

    You also need to have access to the right composting materials. This includes green organic materials such as fruits, vegetables, grass clipping, and leaves. You also need to have enough brown materials to add to your rotating barrel such as straw, newspaper, sawdust, pellets, eggshells, and peat moss. 

    How to Compost in Rotating Bins

    We advise that you purchase a large rotating barrel if you have the resources and space to keep it. If you are finding it difficult to get access to materials to use in your compost tumblers, you can also meet with your neighbors and agree to collect their kitchen waste. Discuss with them and provide bins for them to keep their scraps in until you are ready to collect them. 

    You can save yourself a great deal of stress with a rotating barrel. Also, they help to reduce the smell and dirt associated with composting. While the large compost tumblers are expensive, you can also find small sized barrels that are well priced. 

    Which brand of rotating barrel do you use? We will like to hear from you. 

  • Plants That Do Not Like Mushroom Compost – Quick Guide

    Plants That Do Not Like Mushroom Compost – Quick Guide

    Mushroom composting can be a great addition to any gardening routine. While it can be a great soil amendment, you need to be aware of the plants that do not like mushroom compost. 

    In this article, we will be talking about mushroom compost, the benefits of using it, and where to use it. 

    What is Mushroom Compost?

    Mushroom compost is also referred to as spent mushroom compost since it is obtained from the remains of mushroom farming. It is mainly used as a mulch and soil conditioner to improve ornamental and vegetable gardens. Due to its alkalinity, it is unsuitable for use as compost for acid-loving plants. 

    Most gardeners use mushroom compost to improve their soil‘s moisture content and break down the clay. But what most of them don’t know is that there are different types of mushroom compost. The most commercially available type is the mushroom substrate which is usually a mix of chicken or horse manure, and gypsum or wheat straw. In large-scale production of substrates, large bales of wheat straws are dipped in water and then cut into pieces with the help of a chipper. After which the straw is gradually worked into the gypsum and manure. After the materials are composted, they are sterilized to improve their quality before they are taken to the growing trays. 

    Another type is the spent mushroom compost which is what’s obtained from mushroom farms. They are often sold as conditioners for turfs and lawns where it is used to improve soil quality. They are equally useful in raised bed mediums and planting mix where it helps to improve water retention. 

    How to Use Mushroom Compost?

    Mushroom compost has versatile applications. For starters, you can easily add it to any soil to improve the quality before the commencement of planting season. It is mostly suitable for use in vegetable gardens and is equally effective in most alkaline soil. Before you lay your lawn grass, you should work the mushroom compost into the soil. You should apply up to 3 inches of mushroom compost on top of your annual or perennial bed, and dig to a 6-inch depth to get the best results. Do not forget to water your lawn regularly and be on the watch out for weeds. 

    Plants that don't Like Mushroom Compost

    Once you apply mushroom compost to your lawn, there is no need for any additional fertilizer or herbicides for the entire season. To prevent your plant root from burning out, you should apply your mushroom compost close to the roots of your plant for easy nutrient uptake. 

    You will likely be dealing with weeds when you use compost in your garden, and shouldn’t be worried when you find some on top of your mushroom compost. But when they are properly sterilized before storage, you barely have to worry about weeds. 

    Mushroom compost can also be used on houseplants, but you must apply only a thin layer on top of the potting soil. You also want to check that there are enough drainage holes in your pot. Flower pots without drainage are not suitable for mushroom compost or any other type of compost. 

    Are there Chemical Residues in Mushroom Compost?

    They claim that mushroom compost contains chemical residues from the industries that produce it and that it might not be suitable for use. It is okay to be conscious of what you feed your plants and plant soil. But the truth is that you cannot be certain about what goes on in those mushroom farms. 

    Most mushroom farmers make use of chemical sprays to tackle the problems of flies and gnats in their facilities. These chemical sprays may get into the mushroom compost making it unfit to be used in certified organic farms. Some of the common chemicals used in mushroom farms to tackle insect problems include methoprene, diazinon, domain, cyromazine, and diflubenzuron. They also apply chemicals such as chlorothalonil, benomyl, and thiabendazole to treat fungal infections in mushroom crops. 

    When looking to get mushroom compost from farms, is recommended that you enquire about the type of chemicals used in growing the plants. This makes it possible for you to know whether or not the compost will contain toxic materials. The presence of toxic chemicals in your mushroom compost can make it difficult for it to take effect on your plants, or it may have negative effects. 

    Plants that Do Not like Mushroom Compost

    As we mentioned earlier, mushroom compost is not a good fit for acid-loving plants. For these types of plants, you will want to apply acidic compost that has a slightly higher nitrogen content. Mushroom compost can be added to plants with a slightly higher alkaline content. Some examples of plants that do not like mushroom compost include:

    • Camellia 
    • Cranberry 
    • Viburnum 
    • Gardenia 
    • Hydrangea 
    • Azalea 
    • Blueberry 
    • Rhododendron 
    • Magnolia 
    • Japanese maple 
    • Aster 
    • Fern 
    • Juniper 
    • Lupine 
    • Holly 
    • Bleeding heart 

    Plants that don't Like Mushroom Compost

    Plants that Like Mushroom Compost  

    The slow-release mushroom compost can be added to vegetables and plants grown in alkaline soil. You can add mushroom compost to trees, vines, bushes, and perennial crops such as:

    • Yarrow 
    • Salvias 
    • Shasta daisy 
    • Lavender 
    • Meadow rue 
    • Reticulated iris 
    • Hosta 
    • Goldenrod 
    • Delphinium 
    • Easter Lilies 
    • Foxglove 
    • Centaurea 
    • Columbine 
    • Bearded iris kiwi 
    • Virginia creeper 
    • Winter jasmine 
    • Clematis 
    • Boston ivy 
    • Mugo pine 
    • Horse chestnut 
    • Ornamental cherry 
    • Lilac bushes 
    • Yew bushes 

    Mushroom Compost Alternatives

    There are other alternatives to mushroom compost that you can apply to your garden to improve the soil nutrient they include:

    Plants that don't Like Mushroom Compost

    Is Mushroom Soil Good For Potatoes?

    While mushroom soil is good for most plants, it is important to determine whether it is suitable for the plants you are growing. If you are growing potatoes, you are probably wondering; is mushroom soil good for potatoes? The answer to this question is yes, mushroom soil is good for potatoes.

    However, other types of soil with more nutrients will be required. This is because mushroom soil does not contain enough nutrients for heavy-feeding crops such as potatoes. On top of that, mushroom soil can contain a lot of lime which may cause conditions such as scabs on potatoes. So it is best to mix it with other soil types to dilute this lime.

    What is The pH of Mushroom Soil?

    Mushroom soil is alkaline, and has a pH range between 6-8. This pH can even be higher if the soil comes from a factory that uses lime. This, therefore, makes this soil type suitable for alkaline soil-loving plants.

    How Much Nitrogen is in Mushroom Compost?

    Mushroom compost has a low nitrogen content of about 1.12%. This is because most of the nitrogen will have been consumed by the mushrooms that were originally grown in it. Most of this nitrogen content is mostly in an organic form which releases slowly and is available to plants over long periods.

    While the low nitrogen content of mushroom compost may seem like a disadvantage, it can have its benefits. One of the advantages is that it will discourage the growth of weeds around your plants, giving them a better chance of survival.

    What is The pH of Mushroom Compost?

    Mushroom compost in its fresh form has a pH of about 6.6. This pH is in the ideal range for most plants.

    Is Mushroom Compost Good For Mango Trees?

    Mushroom compost is an excellent source of nutrients for trees such as mango trees. It is a good source of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium nutrients. It also contains a good amount of calcium which is good for the development of roots and plants.

    Is Mushroom Compost Good For Avocado Trees?

    Mushroom compost is a good source of organic matter for the long-term health and well-being of a plant such as an avocado. But as already mentioned, it has a low content of nitrogen. To make it suitable for avocado trees, it needs to be mixed with other nutrient-rich soils or the avocado tree will not grow well enough.

    Other types of organic matter that complement mushroom compost include cow manure. Mix them and work them into the soil around your avocado tree, or prepare the soil where you are going to plant new avocado trees and you have a winning formula.

    Does Lettuce Like Mushroom Compost?

    Mushroom compost provides excellent conditions for the growth and productivity of lettuce. Mixing mushroom compost at a ratio of 42 to 48% into the soil can have great benefits for lettuce plants. You should be careful to mix it at the appropriate ratio and not use it as a substitute for soil.

    What Plants Like Mushroom Compost

    Mushroom compost is a byproduct of mushroom cultivation. It is made from a mixture of straw, horse manure, and gypsum. You can add mushroom compost as a soil amendment or mulch for plants. Mushroom compost is high in nutrients and microorganisms that improve soil structure and fertility. 

    Many plants benefit from the addition of mushroom compost to their growing medium. Here are a few examples:

    Vegetables: Mushroom compost is perfect for growing vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers. It provides them with the necessary nutrients for healthy growth and fruiting.

    Berries: You can add mushroom compost to the soil of your strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. 

    Fruit Trees: Fruit trees like apples and pears will benefit from mushroom compost in their growing medium.

    Herbs: Basil, thyme, and rosemary are fond of mushroom compost. Adding it to their soil can enhance their growth and output. 

    Keep in mind that mushroom compost is typically high in nitrogen and low in potassium and phosphorous. You should mix it with other organic materials to provide the best balance for your plants. 

    What Is the pH Of Mushroom Compost?

    Mushroom compost has a pH that typically ranges from 6.0 to 7.0. This is considered slightly acidic to neutral. 

    The pH of mushroom compost is influenced by the materials used in its production. Popular materials are straw, horse manure, and gypsum. The pH varies depending on the balance of these ingredients.

    It’s best to have the pH of your mushroom compost tested before using it. If the pH is too low or too high, you can amend it by adding lime or sulfur, respectively, to adjust it to the desired range.

    Mushroom Compost Benefits

    Mushroom compost can benefit your garden in several ways. Here are some of the most significant benefits of mushroom compost:

    Improves Soil Structure: Mushroom compost helps improve the soil‘s structure by adding organic matter. This can increase water-holding capacity and improve drainage.

    Increases Nutrient Availability: Mushroom compost is high in nutrients, including nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorous. These can help promote healthy plant growth.

    Adds Microorganisms: Mushroom compost is rich in microorganisms, like bacteria and fungi. These help improve soil health and fertility. 

    Disease and Pest Control: The microorganisms in mushroom compost can help control diseases and pests in your garden by suppressing harmful pathogens. 

    Makes a Great Mulch: Mushroom compost is an excellent mulch that you can add to your garden to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the soil cool. 

    Conclusion – Plants that do Not like mushroom compost!

    We hope that you enjoyed reading and got valuable information from this article on plants that do not like mushroom compost. You will now be able to use mushroom compost for your plants confidently.

    Remember that you cannot use mushroom compost for acid-loving plants. And you should also source your mushroom compost from organic farms that do not use toxic chemicals as insect repellants. 

    Have you tried mushroom compost before? We will like to hear about your experience in the comment section.

    FAQ’s

    What vegetable plants do not like mushroom compost?

    If you have never used mushroom compost in your garden before, you might be wondering what vegetable plants do not like it. Compost is an organic fertilizer that has been used for hundreds of years to enrich soil and boost plant growth. It can be made from many different sources including kitchen waste, yard waste, leaves and even manure. In fact, composting is a great way to get rid of all those food scraps and household waste that would otherwise end up in a landfill.

    Compost is often referred to as “black gold” because of its high nutrient value. In addition to being rich in nutrients, compost also provides a safe place for bacteria and fungi to grow. These organisms decompose the organic material in your compost and turn it into humus, which is the most stable form of organic matter. Humus helps your plants absorb nutrients from the soil. By adding mushroom compost to your garden, you are making it easier for your plants to absorb the nutrients they need. There are some vegetables, however, that do not like the smell or taste of compost. If your compost smells bad or tastes bitter, it can cause your plants to have a hard time absorbing the nutrients they need. You can avoid this problem by using an odor neutralizer and adding an ingredient to your compost to mask the bitter taste. You can also choose to use a different composting method, such as the worm composting method.

    Is mushroom compost good for all plants?

    Mushroom compost is a valuable addition to any garden. It’s best to use mushroom compost in the spring or fall when you’re planning to plant a new crop. The mushroom compost has a low nitrogen content and will help the soil warm up and prepare for the new plant. It also contains natural nutrients that help boost the growth of the new crop.

    There are two types of mushroom compost available, bagged and bulk. I’d recommend using bagged compost because it’s easy to add to your garden and will be ready for use once you’re ready to plant. Bagged compost can be added to your garden once a week, or whenever you want to add it. Bulk compost must be mixed into your soil to be effective. Bagged mushroom compost is available in four different sizes: 1-gal., 2-gal., 4-gal., and 6-gal. Bulk mushroom compost is available in several sizes, but I don’t recommend buying it in bulk. If you purchase bulk mushroom compost, it will be very difficult to mix it into your soil. You may have to mix it with a shovel or by hand.

    Is mushroom compost better than regular compost?

    Mushroom compost has a higher nitrogen content than regular compost. Mushroom compost is more efficient in converting organic matter into nutrients for the plants it supports.

     Mushrooms can also add beneficial enzymes to your compost. Composting with mushrooms can be done right away or you can wait until the mushrooms have fully colonized the compost. There is no hard and fast rule. It will depend on the type of mushrooms you use and the conditions of your bin. If your bin is too hot, or if the mushrooms are not growing as well as you would like, you may want to wait. If you are going to use the compost in your garden within a few months, wait.

  • How to Compost in an Apartment?

    How to Compost in an Apartment?

    We get emails from our readers who ask how they can safely compost in their apartment buildings. 

    We’d like to commend you for making the decision to become eco-friendly and go zero waste. 

    You may be uncertain about how to go about composting indoors if you’ve never made compost before. In this article, we will be sharing with you a guide on how to compost in an apartment.

    Why You Should Compost 

    Kitchen scraps make up more than 35% of the waste in the average American garbage bin. These scraps are rich materials that can be used in composting to provide nutrients for backyard gardens and indoor plants. When the trash from your home is carried by the garbage truck, they end up in landfills that lack oxygen. These encourage the release of methane gas which is stronger than carbon-di-oxide and not good for the environment. 

    Organic and inorganic waste has been found to have been in the same form since the 1950s. Getting kitchen scraps out of our waste bins and using them to make fertilizers for plants will save the environment a great deal. 

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    You might be thinking that having a compost bin indoors will make your apartment to smell. This is not true. The reason your trash bin smells is the mixture of the organic and inorganic waste inside of the bin. When you throw sausages, orange peels, tomato paste, eggshells, and the rest things that get into your trash away. They do not get easily decomposed becomes of the differences in materials. This slows down the decay process of the organic materials which in combination with the heat generated inside the bin, makes it smell.  

    You can result in apartment composting to help contribute to reducing poisonous gas emissions. 

    Below are some of the ways you can compost inside your house. 

    How to Compost in an Apartment 

    • Use a Worm Composter 

    Vermicomposting also referred to as worm composters are a good composting option. They are portable, easy to use, and efficient in processing organic waste into worm tea which is then fed as nutrients to indoor plants. With a worm composter, you save yourself the stress of turning the pile like in the traditional composting. The worms are responsible for turning the waste and speeding up the rate of decomposition. All you need to do is to ensure the conditions are in place for them to flourish. 

    You can make your own indoor composter by putting holes in a plastic bag and filling a third of it with wet newspaper and throw your food scraps into it. Ensure that you shred the newspaper or any other paper you intend to recycle. The holes need to be drilled at the top of the bag for ventilation and at the bottom for drainage. For best results and less work, you can stack piles of plastic bags with holes in them to allow the worms to easily access the newly deposited waste. It also makes it easier for you to harvest the fresh compost from the bottom of the pile. 

    You can purchase ready-made composters to use on your indoor plants. They help to save you the time of making compost but provide you with worm tea for your plant. When shopping for a worm composter, you should ensure that it has the right mechanism to collect already made nutrient. A well-designed worm composter ensures that the decomposition is odorless. 

    Worms like the red wigglers are some of the widely used worms for composting and can be easily purchased for use. It is important that you note that to get the best out of using a worm composter, you need to meet certain conditions such as 

    1. You need to ensure that you keep the indoor temperature between 40 and 80°F. Worms don’t thrive in freezing conditions; neither should they be kept in direct sunlight or rain. 
    2. For your composter to work perfectly, you need to provide enough nitrogen sources. Shredded newspapers are good examples of inorganic substances to include in your compost. 
    3. When making use of a tote bag system, you need to ensure you keep things neat by stacking bags up in a pile. This helps to make things easy for the worms to perform their duties and for you to collect the nutrients. 
    4. Lastly, ensure that the worms are constantly fed with kitchen scrap. 

    • Use a Compost Tumbler 

    Compost tumblers are another good choice for apartment composting. If you stay in a block of flat or building with an accessible rooftop or balcony, you can keep a compost tumbler for your personal use. These compost tumblers are completely sealed to help trap in the heat that is produced by the compost. This helps to speed the rate of decomposition. 

    Compost tumblers are designed with handles and turning systems that make it easy to mix the materials. This creates enough air circulation ensuring the compost is aerated. If you are looking for a quick method to convert kitchen waste to fertilizer, you can opt for a compost tumbler. They can process your kitchen waste in 2 weeks. You also get to avoid the common pest problems associated with composting since the tumblers are sealed. This makes this a good option if you reside in urban areas with little tolerance for rodents. 

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    They also don’t give off a foul odor and is a clean method of processing kitchen waste. The only downside is that you cannot keep them indoors and need to be kept close to you. Rooftops and balconies are a good place to keep them. You will have to create a temporary collection system before transferring the waste to the tumbler. You can use a ceramic or stainless steel pail to store your kitchen waste before transferring it to the compost tumbler. 

    There are compost tumblers that come in different shapes and sizes. You can easily find one that can fit into a small area close to your apartment. Compost tumblers are best kept in areas you can easily have access to. You shouldn’t keep it on a rooftop you can enter freely. Also, if you can, it is best that you get a compost tumbler with dual compartments. This makes it easier to compost more waste. 

    • Use Private Collection Centers 

    You can search around for private businesses around you that collect compost. In most cases, these businesses offer their services to neighbors to help collect their kitchen waste for a fee and return an amount of fresh compost in return. This way you are disposing of your waste in return for compost at a small price. 

    This is a good method if you are not interested in composting but still need your waste to be used in providing extra nutrients for plants. But it is important that you know that it will cost you more to use a collection than have a composter indoors. The good part of using a collection center is that you do not get yourself involved with any of the mess associated with composting.  

    Best Materials to Use in Indoor Composting 

    What Are the Materials You Can Use in Your Apartment Compost? 

    You should know that you can’t just toss anything you want inside your compost bin. This is because you don’t want to have to deal with having smelly compost inside your apartment. The stench can be unbearable and is also unhealthy for you. This is why you need to take into consideration the things you toss into your compost bin.

    The best method to adopt when selecting materials to add to your compost bin is to make the inorganic materials slightly more than the organic materials. Fruit and vegetable waste are rich in nitrogen which is needed to combine with the carbon-rich newspapers to speed up decomposition. This also helps to ensure that the compost bin doesn’t smell. 

    You can check the list below for the nitrogen and carbon-rich content that you can compost in your apartment 

    Organic/Nitrogen Rich Materials 

    • Tea leaves 
    • Seaweed 
    • Kelp 
    • Lawn grass clippings 
    • Weeds
    • Green leaves 
    • Garden plants 
    • Flowers 
    • Coffee grounds 

    Inorganic/Carbon Rich Materials

    • Pellets 
    • Wood chips 
    • Wood ash 
    • Hay 
    • Straw
    • Shredded newspaper 
    • Sawdust 
    • Brown leaves 
    • Corn cobs 
    • Cardboard
    • Eggshells 
    • Peat moss
    • Shredded brown paper bag 
    • Branches 

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    FAQs

    How do you compost food waste in an apartment?

    The short answer is you don’t. It’s not good for you, and it’s not good for the planet. You can’t compost food waste at home because you don’t have a backyard or a garden to throw your scraps into. Food waste is one of the most harmful things we throw away. It’s filled with bacteria that can cause serious health problems, like salmonella. But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck. There are a few options available to you, depending on where you live and what kind of apartment you live in.
    Food waste can be composted in the same manner as yard waste, i.e., in a bin with a lid, and mixed with some garden soil (or even regular soil) to ensure that it is turned over enough to break down the waste. If you have a large bin, you may need to use a fork to turn it. Some people also mix in leaves, grass clippings, or straw.
    A good system will be able to handle all your food waste. You will also want a large bin that holds at least twice as much waste as the volume of the bin.

    Can I compost on my balcony?

    Yes, you can compost on your own balcony. You just need a few things and you will be composting soon. Compost bin (or compost pail) A compost bin is a great thing to have for your garden because it will help you keep the garden soil healthy. It will also help you recycle any food scraps that you have, as well as help you to avoid buying fertilizer.
    You will need to use an appropriate bin, such as one that is made of wood, plastic or concrete. You will also need some soil, grass clippings, manure and a shovel. Choose the right size of bin for your space.
    You should also make sure that the bin is located in a place where you can easily access it. The compost bin should be at least 6-8 inches off the ground so that you don’t have to bend down to put your food scraps into the bin. The lid should be on the bin and you should be able to easily remove the contents of the bin once it is full.  You will need to prepare the soil before putting the compost bin in your balcony.

    Does a compost bin need air holes?

    The only reason for air holes is if you want to prevent pests from getting into the compost, so that it can be used as mulch. In that case, they are essential. However, if you’re planning to use the compost as fertilizer, it doesn’t really matter how much air is in there. The air helps oxygenate the decomposing material, but that’s about all it does.

    Can I compost in a bucket?

    Composting is the process of breaking down organic matter, such as food waste and yard trimmings, to create nutrient-rich soil. The composted material can then be used in your garden or for landscaping projects. You can compost in a bucket if you have a large enough container and a way to aerate it. Some compost bins are designed specifically for composting, while others are more suitable for general use.

    How do I compost in a bucket? There are two main methods for composting in a bucket. One method is to mix shredded newspaper, grass clippings, vegetable scraps, and other organic matter with water and add a high-nitrogen fertilizer. The mixture is then left in a dark area for several months to break down. The other method is to place the organic matter into a bucket and add a high-carbon fertilizer. Water is added periodically to keep the material moist until it decomposes.

    What to Do with Excess Compost 

    If you only have a few indoor plants or a small garden that doesn’t end up using all the compost you produce, you can easily give them out for use. You can take them to the farmer’s market or donate them at your local community garden. You can ask around for gardeners who are interested in fresh compost. They will be more than willing to compensate you for your efforts. 

    We are practically certain that you have learned a few tips on how to compost in an apartment. If you have any further questions or will like to add a few tips, we will be glad to hear from you in the comment section.