how to start composting at home?

What if we told you that the waste that you have been discarding since these many years has the power to create something very useful? 
Surprised, right? 

Composting is the natural process wherein organic materials such as leaves, food scraps and other waste can be converted into an organic fertilizer. When you carry out this process at home, either in your yard or on the balcony, it is known as home composting. This compost is further used in enhancing the growth of your plants and soil quality. This process simply brings forward the wonderful fact that everything in nature has certain utility, only if we are capable of perceiving it.

but, why should I do home composting?

• The whole action of creating compost out of waste brings our attention to the process of where our food comes from, and where it goes. It inspires us to respect every grain and stay humble towards every resource we come across.
• You are saving a lot of waste from simply adding up to the junk that planet earth is already burdened with and creating something wonderful out of it.
• The garbage gathered at the landfills rot and release gases like methane and carbon dioxide. Composting stops that and creates utility for the garbage.
• Adding this organic compost will loosen the soil, help in water retention, improve fertility, stimulate healthy root development in your plants, and keep your plants healthy and balanced.
• You get free of cost compost. We normally buy fertilizers from the market at huge prices. However, with home composting, you no longer have to pay for it.

I am new to this, how do I do home composting?

If you are new to it, that’s not an issue. You don’t have to be a farmer to do composting. Allow us to take you through the process of composting through home composter-

• You can either start it at a small corner in your backyard or use a composting bin if you don’t have enough space outdoors. Select an area that is spacious and has a good amount of airflow with partial sunlight.

Here’s what you can & can’t add to the composting bin:

All the ingredients can be divided into 2 main categories -

• Browns - dead leaves, branches, twigs and dry items. These are carbon and carbohydrate-rich materials that act as food for the organisms that carry out the process.
• Greens - vegetable and fruit peels, coffee grounds, grass and all greener things. These are rich in nitrogen or protein and promote the growth and organisms and bacteria required for the process.
• While composting the ratio of 4:1 for browns to green has to be maintained. It can be further tweaked based on the requirement of process. If you feel the bin is smelling and stinking, you might need more browns and if the process of composting doesn’t start, more greens will help in that case.
• Make sure to keep checking the process by daily observation and also allow the proper amount of oxygen to flow by turning the whole mixture often.
• Once your bin is filled, it may take time anywhere from 2 months to a year based on the quantity of your waste. Till then, keep observing and turning it regularly.

what if I mess up? 

There’s nothing that can go wrong and can’t be reversed. If you end up adding a component more, there is always an option to balance it with another component. All you need to do is begin with it. Once you witness the whole process of microorganisms breaking down the waste into rich fertilizer, you won’t go back.

To make your journey easier, you can buy a home composter online that is specially designed for this purpose. There are many options available in the market to buy composting tools. Stone soup’s composters are designed keeping in mind your needs. They are lightweight, easy to lift and have a built in handle that will allow you to shift the composter easily. If you have a dedicated society that is committed towards composting, community composter is something that you can try. Select a product based on your expertise and knowledge. As you learn more, shift to larger composters.

Photo by Neslihan Gunaydin on Unsplash

Author - 

CA brinda shah is a freelance content writer. she is a CA turned into a writer who loves to read, write & meditate. you can connect with her on linkedIn  and on instagram