The Renter’s Guide to Composting: How and Why to Do It

Composting is a beneficial way to reduce waste and make your own organic fertilizer. Moreover, it’s straightforward to do with a handful of very easy tools. You can still compost your food waste, even if you’re renting a Muskegon apartment or home. But as a matter of fact, there are a few very important things you’ll be compelled to know to begin the process properly. This basic guide will give you an overview of the practice of composting and the steps you can take to get started composting your food scraps.

What is composting?

Composting is the style of breaking down organic matter, such as food scraps and yard waste, into a nutrient-rich soil amendment. The completed product, called compost, can be used to heighten the quality of your garden soil. Composting is a sure way to reduce waste, save money on fertilizer, and help the environment.

What can be composted?

Any organic material can be composted, but be aware that certain items break down more quickly than others. Food scraps, as an illustration, of fruits and vegetables, coffee grounds, and eggshells are all acceptable candidates for composting. Yard waste involving leaves, grass clippings, and twigs can as well be composted.

How to start composting

If you’re quite ready and eager to start off composting, here are the steps you can take:

1. Find a site for your compost bin. This can be a decent spot for your container if you have a small balcony or patio. Just position it in a sunny location so the ingredients will break down perfectly.
2. Find the ideal type of bin. There are diverse compost bins available, so research to determine the one that best suits your needs. Plenty of containers are meant for indoor use, but others are right for outdoor spaces.
3. Gather your compostable materials. Numerous kitchen scraps can be composted, including fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and eggshells. You can similarly add yard waste, by way of example, leaves and grass clippings to your bin.
4. Add water to the bin if appropriate. The ingredients in your bin need to be moist to break down thoroughly, so make certain to add water if the bin starts to look dry.
5. Turn the contents of the bin constantly. This will help oxygenate the materials and accelerate the composting process.
6. The compost should be dark and crumbly as soon as it is ready. It can then be added to your garden or used as mulch around your plants.

How to use compost

Compost can be used in various methods. Here are some ideas:

• Take advantage of it as a soil amendment in a garden or planter. Compost can be mixed into the soil to heighten drainage and aeration. It can as well help retain moisture and add nutrients to the soil.
• Use it as mulch. Spread a layer of compost around your plants to help hold back weeds and retain moisture.
• Use it as a fertilizer. Compost can be used to fertilize your plants. Just properly mix it into the soil around the base of the plant.
• Use it to put together a potting mix. Compost can be added with other ingredients, such as perlite or vermiculite, to choose a potting mix for your indoor plants.
• Use it to develop compost tea. This liquid fertilizer can be developed by steeping compost in water for several days. It can then be employed to fertilize your plants or to water seedlings.

Composting is a great habit to drop down your environmental impact and help your garden or houseplants grow and thrive. By obeying these easy tips, you can readily compost at home, even if you’re renting.

 

Are you in the market for a new rental home – feasibly one with more outdoor space for composting and realizing your green thumb? If that is you, talk to one of our Muskegon property managers today or view our listings online.