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

Composting is one of the best solutions to reduce waste and make your own organic fertilizer. Additionally, it’s uncomplicated to do with just a few simple tools. You can still compost your food waste, even if you’re renting a West Valley City apartment or home. At the same time, that being said, there are quite a few things you’ll be required to know to start. This short and easy guide will bestow an overview of the practice of composting and the steps you can take to begin composting your food scraps.

What is composting?

Composting is the operation of breaking down organic matter, such as food scraps and yard waste, into a nutrient-rich soil amendment. The final result, known as compost, can be used to help increase the quality of your garden soil. Composting is a great way to reduce waste, save money on fertilizer, and help the environment.

What can be composted?

Roughly any organic material can be composted, however, some items break down more straight away than others. Food scraps, in particular, fruits and vegetables, coffee grounds, and eggshells are all satisfactory candidates for composting. Yard waste, for illustration, leaves, grass clippings, and twigs can also be composted.

How to start composting

If you’re apt and ready to begin composting, here are the steps you can take:

1. Find a designated place for your compost bin. This can be a very good spot for your container if you have a small balcony or patio. Just secure it in a sunny location so the ingredients will break down correctly.
2. Get the proper type of bin. There are various compost bins available, so research to try to find the one that best suits your needs. Particular containers are considered for indoor use, while others are right for outdoor spaces.
3. Gather your compostable materials. A large number of kitchen scraps can be composted, including fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and eggshells. You can, over and above that, add yard waste for example leaves and grass clippings to your bin.
4. Add water to the bin as appropriate. The ingredients in your bin need to be moist to break down satisfactorily, so secure to add water if the bin starts to look dry.
5. Turn the contents of the bin as often as possible. This will help oxygenate the materials and hasten 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 several ways. Here are some ideas:

• Use it as a soil amendment in a garden or planter. Compost can be mixed into the soil to help with drainage and aeration. It can secondly help retain moisture and add nutrients to the soil.
• Use it as mulch. Spread a layer of compost around your plants to help regulate weeds and retain moisture.
• Use it as a fertilizer. Compost can be used to fertilize your plants. Merely mix it into the soil around the base of the plant.
• Use it to fashion a potting mix. Compost can be easily mixed with other ingredients, the same way as perlite or vermiculite, to make a potting mix for your indoor plants.
• Use it to easily make compost tea. This liquid fertilizer can be made by steeping compost in water for several days. It can then be used to fertilize your plants or to water seedlings.

Composting is a beneficial way to reduce your environmental impact and help your garden or houseplants develop and thrive. By implementing these very simple tips, you can easily start composting at home, even if you’re renting.

 

Are you in the market for a new rental home – most likely one with more outdoor space for composting and pursuing your green thumb? If that’s you, talk to one of our West Valley City property managers today or view our listings online.