Do’s and Don’ts of Composting – A Recipe For Compost Success

A wicker Earth-filled basket of vegetables.

When you follow these easy do’s and dont’s composting is simple. These tips are the recipe for composting success. Compost makes less trash for the landfill. Of course, that’s better for Mother Earth. Additionally, it’s easy to do when you follow these tips.

Radishes from a fall garden, dirt on them.
Vibrant red radishes come from a healthy garden. (frugalfamilyhome.com)

Why should you compost? There are a couple of reasons.

First of all, compost makes less trash for the landfill. Of course, that’s better for Mother Earth. Also, you can use less chemical fertilizers. This makes composting an Earth-friendly choice.

A backyard garden featuring raised beds and an earthy ambiance.
Veggie gardens benefit from compost. (pinterest.com)

Additionally, compost makes your plants healthy. Your plants receive valuable nutrition from the compost you place around them. Healthy plants are more resistant to bugs, heat, and disease. In fact, you can compost vegetables, herbs, and flowers.

Tomatoes growing in a container garden.
Indeed, more vibrant vegetables grow from compost. (spieringandco.com)

Indeed, it’s easy to start your compost. There are three key items to start composting.

A composting pile of leaves in a wooded area.
Indeed, building a compost bin is a super way to recycle fall leaves. (booknvolume.com)

First, you’ll need “brown materials.” This refers to yard waste items. Sticks, branches, and leaves all work well. Speed up decomposition by breaking them down smaller pieces if they are large, like a tree branch.

A diagram illustrating the composting process in the life cycle of a plant.
This illustrates photosynthesis. (motherearthnews.com)

These materials are carbon-rich. This replenishes carbon lost during photosynthesis. By adding carbon back, your plants will be lush and healthy.

Composting broken eggs on a white plate.
In fact, eggshells add vital minerals. (lisapaso.wordpress.com)

Next, you need “green materials.” You will gather these from your own kitchen. These include veggie scraps, egg shells, coffee grounds, and tea bags. In fact, if you purchase unbleached coffee filters, those are also fine.

Also, grass clippings are “green materials.”

A composting wheelbarrow in a garden.
Indeed, you should add grass clippings to compost. (gardeningknowhow.com)

You need “green materials” because they add nitrogen to your plants. Nitrogen is important because it helps form chlorophyll. In fact, plants can’t survive without nitrogen.

Related:
4 Accessories to tidy up your garden
Beautiful hydrangeas form a border in this yard
Compost makes flowers bloom brighter. (statebystategardening.com)
A bunch of basil leaves in a fall garden.
Garden fresh herbs thrive in compost. (goodeatsgardening.wordpress.com)

Finally, the third item is water. This is necessary because the moisture makes rapid decomposition. In fact, the process can’t occur if it’s not kept moist.

In conclusion, have fun getting your hands in the soil!

A child is watering an indoor plant with a brightly colored watering can.
Water is the final key. (greatist.com)
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