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

Composting is an effective way to reduce waste and make your organic fertilizer. In addition, it’s simple to do with various rudimentary tools. You can still compost your food waste, even if you’re renting a Raleigh apartment or home. But, on the other hand, there are quite a few things you’ll have to know to start it off. This simple guide will endow an overview of the practice of composting and the steps you can take to begin composting your food scraps.

What is composting?

Composting is the procedure of breaking down organic matter, such as food scraps and yard waste, into a nutrient-rich soil amendment. The final product, identified as compost, can be used to increase 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?

Almost any organic material can be composted, though a few items break down more rapidly than others. Food scraps, namely, fruits and vegetables, coffee grounds, and eggshells are all wonderful candidates for composting. Yard waste, for example, leaves, grass clippings, and twigs can similarly be composted.

How to start composting

If you’re capable of outset composting, here are the steps you can take:

1. Find a site for your compost bin. This can be a satisfactory spot for your container if you have a small balcony or patio. Just make it a point to put it in a sunny location so the ingredients will break down efficiently.
2. Pick a suitable type of bin. There are several different compost bins available, so research to see the one that best suits your needs. Most containers are intended for indoor use, although others are perfect for outdoor spaces.
3. Gather your compostable materials. All kitchen scraps can be composted, including fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and eggshells. You can likewise add yard waste such as leaves and grass clippings to your bin.
4. Add water to the bin as required. The ingredients in your bin need to be moist to break down nicely, so make it a point to add water if the bin starts to look dry.
5. Turn the contents of the bin many times. This will help oxygenate the materials and accelerate 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 different ways. Here are some ideas:

• Use it to serve as a soil amendment in a garden or planter. Compost can be mixed into the soil to extend drainage and aeration. It can similarly help retain moisture and add nutrients to the soil.
• Use it as mulch. Spread a layer of compost around your plants to help check weeds and retain moisture.
• Use it as a fertilizer. Compost can be used to fertilize your plants. Thoroughly mix it into the soil around the base of the plant.
• Use it to create a potting mix. Compost can be blended with other ingredients, such as perlite or vermiculite, to develop a potting mix for your indoor plants.
• Use it to produce compost tea. This liquid fertilizer can be put together by steeping compost in water for several days. It can then be utilized to fertilize your plants or to water seedlings.

Composting is a nice way to decrease your environmental impact and help your garden or houseplants increase. By using these straightforward tips, you can quickly compost at home, even if you’re renting.

 

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