How to Compost

BY: EMMA MCEVOY

Many people tend to throw valuable materials in the trash everyday without knowing the benefit these materials can have in a garden or even when potting an indoor plant. Within one afternoon you can have a full functioning compost system within feet of your kitchen! There are three main types of composting that I will be discussing within this article: traditional composting, tumble composting, and vermicomposting. By composting you can create a natural, organic fertilizer that can be used in your own yard or even sold to others.

What to Compost
There are two primary components to a compost regardless of the process. There must be "greens" and "browns" present in the compost at a 1:2 ratio. Greens represent kitchen scrapes that provide nitrogen to the mixture. Browns represent dried woods, leaves, and papers that provide carbon to the pile.

Traditional Composting can be done in many ways and forms this usually involves a larger bin, which can be built or purchased from a variety of home improvement stores. An important feature of a compost bin is having slits or holing to aerate your pile. Because you are not manually turning your pile that process will take longer compared to "hot" or aerated piles.

Tumble Composting is a more contained form of composting that involves he use of a barrel on an axis. This allows you to turn the barrel, which with allow for air to flow into the compost. Much like a traditional compost you can either make your own container or buy one from a home improvement store.
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Vermicomposting is my personal favorite because it is a fast pace form of composting due to the worm activity and reproduction. This method is also the most condensed as it can be used in a dorm, apartment, or townhouse. You can easily create a vermicompost at home or you can order one like I did. When it comes to worms you can buy them from a bait shop or even order those online as well (and yes they do come alive, I tried it).

Resources
Building a Traditional Compost
Tumble Compost Review
Building a Vermicompost
​The Worm
WormFactory360