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

Composting is an efficient way to reduce waste and make your own organic fertilizer. Aside from that, it’s simple and hassle-free to do with some uncomplicated tools. You can still compost your food waste, even if you’re renting an Arcadia apartment or home. But having said that though, there are one or a number of things you entail to know to initiate the process. This comprehensible guide will impart an overview of the practice of composting and the steps you can take to kick off composting your food scraps.

What is composting?

Composting is the practice of breaking down organic matter, such as food scraps and yard waste, into a nutrient-rich soil amendment. The finished product, commonly called compost, can be used to enhance 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?

Just about any organic material can be composted, still, it is a matter of fact that some items break down more rapidly than others. Food scraps such as fruits and vegetables, coffee grounds, and eggshells are all very good candidates for composting. Yard waste, for example, leaves, grass clippings, and twigs can also be composted.

How to start composting

If you’re ready and excited about composting, here are the steps you can take:

1. Find a really good spot for your compost bin. This can be the place for your container if you have a small balcony. Just nail down that it’s in a sunny location so the ingredients will break down appropriately.
2. Select the appropriate type of bin. There are widely differing compost bins available, so research to find the one that best suits your needs. Some containers are created for indoor use, while many others are good for outdoor spaces.
3. Gather your compostable materials. Almost every kitchen scrap can be composted, including fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and eggshells. You can, in addition, add yard waste, for example, leaves and grass clippings to your bin.
4. Add water to the bin as necessary. The ingredients in your bin need to be moist to break down sufficiently, so see to it to add water if the bin starts to look dry.
5. Turn the contents of the bin as regularly as possible. This will help oxygenate the materials and speed up the composting process.
6. The compost should be dark and crumbly as soon as it is ready. It can then promptly be added to your garden or used as mulch around your plants.

How to use compost

Compost can be used in various means. Here are some ideas:

• To serve as a soil amendment in a garden or planter. Compost can be mixed into the soil to greatly improve drainage and aeration. It can certainly 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. Just mix it into the soil around the base of the plant.
• Use it to produce a potting mix. Compost can be mingled with other ingredients, like perlite or vermiculite, to make a potting mix for your indoor plants.
• Use it to easily make compost tea. This liquid fertilizer can be produced by steeping compost in water for several days. It can then be utilized to fertilize your plants or to water seedlings.

Composting is certainly an effective way to cut down your environmental impact and help your garden or houseplants thrive. By being guided by these basic tips, you can, without delay, easily compost at home, even if you’re renting.

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