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

Composting is one of the right ways to reduce waste and make your own organic fertilizer. Not only that, it’s light to do with just a few very simple tools. You can still compost your food waste, even if you’re renting a Culver City apartment or home. But be that as it may, there are various things you’ll need to know to embark on this endeavor. This helpful guide will supply an overview of the practice of composting and the steps you can take to action composting your food scraps.

What is composting?

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

What can be composted?

More or less any organic material can be composted, just be aware that some items break down quite rapidly more than others. Food scraps, for example, fruits and vegetables, coffee grounds, and eggshells are all right candidates for composting. Yard waste, namely, leaves, grass clippings, and twigs can moreover be composted.

How to start composting

If you’re receptive to beginning composting, here are the steps you can take:

1. Find an area for your compost bin. This can be the ideal 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 nicely.
2. Find the best type of bin. There are many various compost bins available, so research to detect the one that best suits your needs. A whole lot of containers are made for indoor use, while others are preferably suited for outdoor spaces.
3. Gather your compostable materials. A vast number of kitchen scraps can be composted, including fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and eggshells. You can, furthermore, add yard waste, for example, leaves and grass clippings to your bin.
4. Add water to the bin if necessary. The ingredients in your bin need to be moist to break down efficiently, so make certain to add water if the bin starts to look dry.
5. Turn the contents of the bin as regularly as you can. This will help oxygenate the materials and enhance the composting process.
6. When the compost is ready, it should be dark and crumbly. It can then be easily added to your garden or used as mulch around your plants.

How to use compost

Compost can be used in diverse forms. Here are some ideas:

• Utilize it as a soil amendment in a garden or planter. Compost can be mixed into the soil to significantly increase drainage and aeration. It can moreover help retain moisture and add nutrients to the soil.
• Use it as mulch. Spread a layer of compost around your plants to help check weeds and retain moisture.
• Use it as a fertilizer. Compost can be used to fertilize your plants. Wholly mix it into the soil around the base of the plant.
• Use it to devise a potting mix. Compost can be blended with other ingredients, for instance, perlite or vermiculite, to fashion a potting mix for your indoor plants.
• Use it to formulate compost tea. This liquid fertilizer can be developed by steeping compost in water for several days. It can then be freely applied to fertilize your plants or to water seedlings.

Composting is a very effective way to decrease your environmental impact and help your garden or houseplants grow and bloom. By putting to use these useful and simple tips, you can very quickly compost at home, even if you’re renting.

 

Are you in the market for a new rental home – perchance one with more outdoor space for composting and implementing your green thumb? For this reason, talk to one of our Culver City property managers today or view our listings online.