Composting with Kitchen Scraps and Yard Waste

Composting is an excellent way to recycle kitchen scraps and yard waste, turning them into nutrient-rich compost for your garden. Not only does it reduce waste, but it also benefits your plants and the environment. Get the whole family involved in this eco-friendly activity with these simple steps.

1. Choose a composting method

There are several methods for composting kitchen scraps and yard waste. The most common methods include:

• Traditional compost bin or pile: A designated area in your yard where you layer kitchen scraps and yard waste, turning it occasionally to aid decomposition.
• Tumbler composter: A rotating barrel that allows for easier turning and faster decomposition.
• Worm bin: A container with worms that help break down the organic material, creating nutrient-rich compost and worm castings.

Choose a method that suits your needs and available space.

2. Know what to compost

When composting kitchen scraps, stick to fruit and vegetable peels (but preferably not citrus fruit peels!), eggshells (be sure to dry them and crush them very fine, otherwise they could take years to fully break down), coffee grounds, tea bags, and small amounts of plain bread or pasta. Avoid meat, dairy, and oily or processed foods, as these can attract pests and create unpleasant odors or, in the case of processed foods, introduce preservatives that can affect the ability of the pile to break down as it should.

For yard waste, compost grass clippings (preferably slightly dried to prevent clumping), leaves (crushing the leaves will help as smaller pieces are better), small branches broken into small sections, sawdust or wood chips, and other plant debris cut into small pieces. Avoid diseased plants or those treated with pesticides.

3. Create the right balance

Compost decomposes best when there’s a balance of green and brown materials. Green materials are nitrogen-rich and include kitchen scraps (including coffee, despite it being brown in color), fresh grass clippings, and coffee grounds. Brown materials are carbon-rich and include dried leaves, straw, and small branches.

A good rule of thumb is to maintain a 3:1 ratio of brown to green materials in your compost pile.

4. Turn your compost regularly

To speed up decomposition and ensure even breakdown, turn your compost regularly. This can be done with a garden fork or by rotating a tumbler composter. Turning also helps aerate the compost, providing oxygen to the microorganisms that break down the organic matter.

It’s also good to check that the pile is moist when you turn it. Composting generates heat and will cause it to dry out over time. The microorganisms need some moisture to do their job effectively. Be sure not to over-water, as this can cause a shift in which organisms prosper and lead to the formation of unpleasant odors from your compost.

5. Be patient

Composting takes time, so be patient. Depending on the method and conditions, it can take anywhere from a few months to over a year for your compost to be ready. The compost is ready when it looks like dark, crumbly soil and has an earthy smell.

6. Use your finished compost

Once your compost is ready, use it to enrich your garden soil, improve its structure, and provide essential nutrients to your plants. Spread it around the base of plants, mix it into the top few inches of soil, or use it as a component in potting mixes.

---

Teaching your family about composting is a great way to get them involved in gardening and eco-friendly practices. By composting kitchen scraps and yard waste, you can create a valuable resource for your garden while reducing waste and teaching your children about sustainability.

Remember to involve your children in the composting process by showing them how to sort kitchen scraps, layer the compost pile, and turn the compost. This hands-on experience will not only help them learn about the importance of recycling and reducing waste, but also foster a greater appreciation for nature and the environment.

As your family embarks on this eco-friendly journey, remember that composting is a continuous process that requires time and patience. But the rewards of creating your own nutrient-rich compost for your garden will be well worth the effort.

In the spirit of caring for our environment and each other, always remember to treat others with kindness and understanding, as everyone is facing their own unique challenges. And let us know in the comments below what you learned!