With the gardening season right around the corner, many individuals will begin the frustrating task of composting. Composting can be done in various ways, ranging in difficulty based upon it’s maintenance level. The most straightforward method for home composting is the cold method. The cold method of composting is done by forcing food waste to biodegrade. The remains are then used as a soil enhancer known as vermicompost. Vermicompost, simply put, is finished compost that has broken down.
Cold composting requires little maintenance in comparison to various other composting methods. Some composting methods require specific carbon and nitrogen levels and can be very vexing. Cold composting can essentially be left to do its thing. Another benefit of cold composting includes the fact that it can be done in as little or as much space as you have available.
If this is your first experience with cold composting there are several important factors that you should consider. These factors include what to avoid placing in your compost pile, and how to follow local regulations regarding composting.
Local regulations regarding do it yourself composting must be checked out before you begin your compost pile. Compost has a fairly horrid smell in most cases, and that is not something that you want to share with your neighbors twenty feet over. Once you have made sure that you are zoned for household composting, then you can begin.
Regardless of whether you choose to keep your compost in a pile in your yard, or if you choose to use a bin, it is important to have a place specifically designated for your compost. Having a designated compost area will avoid confusion as to where the household scraps should go.
When cold composting food waste, you can utilize most food scraps of a vegetarian nature. Be sure to avoid using any food scraps coming from a meat or dairy source. The reason you should not utilize these items is simple - they attract predators and pests. The inclusion of such items may lead the local wildlife into assuming you are running a buffet. This is not a good thing in the overall scheme of composting unless you enjoy the occasional raccoon, possum, bear, or mountain lion in your backyard. This can be a pest control nightmare, so be careful of this.
In addition to avoiding meat and dairy scraps, it is also wise to avoid animal feces. These are high in potential pathogens. Aside from these items, compost can include most any biodegradable kitchen scrap. Additions that your compost will benefit from include grass clippings, shredded newspaper, fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds with filters, egg shells, and tea leaves. The only real trick to keep in mind regarding compost makeup is keeping it 3 parts carbon to one part nitrogen. Or in other terms, 3 parts “brown” and 1 part “green”. This is very simple to remember, as brown items are generally brown and include sticks, twigs, and dried leaves. Green or nitrogen producing items include kitchen scraps and grass clippings. This ratio will help your compost pile be all that it can be.
Composting can help rid you of a majority of your garbage while putting it to use at the same time. Cold composting will produce a nutrient rich additive for your garden, with very little hassle. Simply throw all of your yard waste and acceptable kitchen scraps in a pile and let nature take its course for an Earth Friendly avenue towards a better garden.
Image Credited To Wikipedia commons user Airelle
