What Is Composting?
‘Composting is the natural process of recycling organic matter, such as leaves and food scraps, into a valuable fertilizer that can enrich soil and plants. Anything that grows decomposes eventually; composting simply speeds up the process by providing an ideal environment for bacteria, fungi, and other decomposing organisms (such as worms, sowbugs, and nematodes) to do their work. The resulting decomposed matter, which often ends up looking like fertile garden soil, is called compost. Fondly referred to by farmers as “black gold,” compost is rich in nutrients and can be used for gardening, horticulture, and agriculture’.
Source: https://www.nrdc.org/stories/composting-101#whatis
Videos
Lazy composting is far more accessible for homegrowers and there is only one simple rule you need to follow when it comes to adding things to your compost bin. This video is suitable if you’re a beginner looking up ‘how to make compost’ as well as seasoned gardeners who are after a more ‘no rules composting method’ to follow. I am sharing the composting technique we have been using for over 15 years to make fantastic homemade compost for our permaculture kitchen garden.
The types of composting vary greatly, whether that’s organic composting or pit composting. In this video, you will learn all the basic rules of the composting process. There are many ways to make compost such as piling it under a tarp, direct composting or pit composting. to even making your own DIY compost bin like making your own wooden compost bins from pallets.
These compost methods are perfect for seasoned gardeners and composting for beginners, so let me take you through everything you need so you know how to make compost right and really set you on the right path so you understand the composting process and can then decide the correct compost methods for you.
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Articles
Recycling food and other organic waste into compost provides a range of environmental benefits, including improving soil health, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, recycling nutrients, and mitigating the impact of droughts.
https://www.nrdc.org/stories/composting-101
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Homemade compost is invaluable in the garden – it’s a great soil improver, mulch and growing medium. To make good compost, you need a 50:50 mix of materials that are rich in nitrogen and carbon. Nitrogen comes from lush, green material such as grass clippings. Carbon comes from brown material, such as woody stems and cardboard.
For every bucket load of green material, you need to add the same volume of brown. Shred woody stems before adding them so that they break down more easily. Scrumple paper and leave egg boxes or loo rolls intact – these help to keep the compost aerated.
https://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/maintain-the-garden/how-to-make-compost/
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How to Make Your Own Compost
https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-make-compost-p2-1761841
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Composting manure: https://www.agrifarming.in/composting-manure-methods-process
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Composting materials
Green Materials:
Used coffee grounds & plastic-free teabags
Unseeded weeds
Fruit & veg scraps
Lawn clippings
Horse & cow manure, and chicken manure
Finished plants/plant tops
Comfrey & Nettles Seaweed
Spent brewery grain (if you have a local brewers)
Hair clippings from the barber
Brown materials:
Dust from vacuuming
Cardboard & newspaper
Wood chippings & sawdust
Autumn leaves
Hay & straw
Autumn & winter prunings (leaves and very small twigs only)
Pine needles
Wood ash
Tissues
Both: Pet bedding from herbivores
