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

Composting is such an effective way to reduce waste and make your own organic fertilizer. Additionally, it’s quite simple to do with one or more ordinary tools. You can still compost your food waste, even if you’re renting a Magnolia apartment or home. But on the flip side, you need to be aware, there are certain things you have to know to get started properly. This straightforward guide will offer an overview of the practice of composting and the steps you can take to start composting your food scraps.

What is composting?

Composting is the method of breaking down organic matter, such as food scraps and yard waste, into a nutrient-rich soil amendment. The resulting product, referred to as compost, can be used to enhance the quality of your garden soil. Composting is an excellent way to reduce waste, save money on fertilizer, and help the environment.

What can be composted?

Nearly any organic material can be composted but having said that, some items break down more promptly than others. Food scraps such as fruits and vegetables, coffee grounds, and eggshells are all right candidates for composting. Yard waste, for instance, leaves, grass clippings, and twigs can also be composted.

How to start composting

If you’re willing and eager to set about composting, here are the steps you can take:

1. Find a specific area for your compost bin. This can be an excellent spot for your container if you have a small balcony or patio. Just always make certain it is in a sunny location so the ingredients will break down perfectly.
2. Have the proper type of bin. There are certainly many different compost bins available, so research to get the one that best suits your needs. Many containers are created for indoor use, while others are more fitting for outdoor spaces.
3. Gather your compostable materials. Quite a lot of kitchen scraps can be composted, including fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and eggshells. You can as well add yard waste such as leaves and grass clippings to your bin.
4. Add water to the bin whenever necessary. The ingredients in your bin need to be moist to break down accurately, so really make sure to add water if the bin starts to look dry.
5. Turn the contents of the bin quite regularly. This will help oxygenate the materials and quicken the composting process.
6. The compost should be dark and crumbly as soon as it is ready. It can then be added to your garden or used as mulch around your plants.

How to use compost

Compost can be used in several methods. Here are some ideas:

• Utilize it as a soil amendment in a garden or planter. Compost can be mixed into the soil to boost drainage and aeration. It can, in particular, help retain moisture and add nutrients to the soil.
• Use it as mulch. Spread a layer of compost around your plants to help suppress weeds and retain moisture.
• Use it as a fertilizer. Compost can be used to fertilize your plants. Only mix it into the soil around the base of the plant.
• Use it to make a potting mix. Compost can be melded with other ingredients, by way of example, perlite or vermiculite, to create a potting mix for your indoor plants.
• Use it to formulate compost tea. This liquid fertilizer can be devised by steeping compost in water for several days. It can then be utilized to fertilize your plants or to water seedlings.

Composting is one of the best solutions to lower your environmental impact and help your garden or houseplants grow and thrive beautifully. By sticking to these hassle-free tips, you can instantly compost at home, even if you’re renting.

Are you in the market for a new rental home – probably one with more outdoor space for composting and using your green thumb? In such a case, talk to one of our Magnolia property managers today or view our listings online.