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

Composting is a wonderful way to reduce waste and make your own organic fertilizer. Furthermore, it’s convenient to do with very few simple tools. You can still compost your food waste, even if you’re renting a Logan Circle apartment or home. But on the other hand, take note, there are particular things you’ll be obliged to know to start the process correctly. This hassle-free guide will furnish an overview of the practice of composting and the steps you can take to get underway with composting your food scraps.

What is composting?

Composting is the way of breaking down organic matter, such as food scraps and yard waste, into a nutrient-rich soil amendment. The ultimate product, named compost, can be used to intensify the quality of your garden soil. Composting is a very effective process to reduce waste, save money on fertilizer, and help the environment.

What can be composted?

Pretty much any organic material can be composted, but on the flip side, different items break down more easily than others. Food scraps, for instance, fruits and vegetables, coffee grounds, and eggshells are all prime candidates for composting. Yard waste such as leaves, grass clippings, and twigs can, in like manner, be composted.

How to start composting

If you’re open-minded and eager to embark on composting, here are the steps you can take:

1. Find a particular place for your compost bin. This can be the perfect spot for your container if you have a small balcony or patio. Just make certain it’s in a sunny location so the ingredients will break down adequately.
2. Decide upon the precise type of bin. There are numerous compost bins available, so research to determine the one that best suits your needs. Many containers are designated for indoor use, but others are best for outdoor spaces.
3. Gather your compostable materials. A lot of kitchen scraps can be composted, including fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and eggshells. You can equally add yard waste, to cite instance, leaves and grass clippings to your bin.
4. Add water to the bin If needed. The ingredients in your bin need to be moist to break down fully, so be certain to add water if the bin starts to look dry.
5. Turn the contents of the bin routinely. This will help oxygenate the materials and expedite the composting process.
6. When the compost is ready, it should be dark and crumbly. It can then be added to your garden or used as mulch around your plants.

How to use compost

Compost can be used in a lot of ways. Here are some ideas:

• Make use of it as a soil amendment in a garden or planter. Compost can be mixed into the soil to intensify drainage and aeration. It can, in like manner, help retain moisture and add nutrients to the soil.
• Use it as mulch. Spread a layer of compost around your plants to help prevent weeds and retain moisture.
• Use it as a fertilizer. Compost can be used to fertilize your plants. Properly mix it into the soil around the base of the plant.
• Use it to make a potting mix. Compost can be combined with other ingredients, similar to perlite or vermiculite, to form a potting mix for your indoor plants.
• Use it to create compost tea. This liquid fertilizer can be made by steeping compost in water for several days. It can then be applied to fertilize your plants or to water seedlings.

Composting is a simple, effective way to reduce your environmental impact and help your garden or houseplants develop and flourish. By minding and applying these useful tips, you can, as quickly as possible, compost at home, even if you’re renting.

 

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