🌱 Composting 101, Don't Toss Anything!

LET’S LEARN: 🌱 Composting 101

Every coffee ground, carrot peel, and wilted lettuce leaf you toss in the trash could be feeding your garden next year. Composting turns what you’d normally throw away into rich, healthy soil — and it’s easier than you think.

Whether you’ve got a big backyard or just a sunny balcony, you can start composting in under an hour and keep it going with just a few minutes a week.

Let’s make “trash” into treasure for your plants.

🧰 Here’s What You’ll Need:

• Compost bin, tumbler, or outdoor pile space

• Kitchen compost pail or container with a lid

• Brown materials: dry leaves, shredded paper, cardboard

• Green materials: fruit & veggie scraps, coffee grounds, grass clippings

• Small garden fork or shovel for turning

⚠️ Safety Note:

Never compost meat, dairy, or oily foods — they can cause odors and attract pests.

LET’S BREAK IT DOWN

Step 1 – Pick Your Method

• Backyard Pile: Best for large gardens; create a 3x3 ft pile in a shady spot.

• Tumbler Bin: Faster composting; turns easily.

• Indoor Worm Bin: Great for apartments or small spaces.

Step 2 – Layer Browns & Greens

• Start with a layer of browns (dry leaves, shredded cardboard).

• Add a layer of greens (scraps, coffee grounds).

• Keep alternating — aim for 2 parts browns to 1 part greens.

Step 3 – Keep It Moist & Aerated

• Compost should feel like a wrung-out sponge — not dripping wet, not bone-dry.

• Turn the pile every 1–2 weeks to add oxygen and speed decomposition.

Step 4 – Harvest the Compost

• Finished compost is dark, crumbly, and smells earthy.

• Spread in garden beds, mix into potting soil, or use as mulch.

🧡 EXTRA GOODIES JUST FOR YOU 🧡

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does compost take?
3–6 months in warm weather, longer in cold months. Tumblers are faster.

Q: Does compost smell?
If done right, it smells earthy. Bad odors mean too many greens or not enough airflow.

Q: Can I compost weeds?
Yes — but only if your pile gets hot enough to kill the seeds.

💡 Pro Tips

• Chop scraps into smaller pieces to speed up decomposition.

• Keep a small pail in the kitchen to collect scraps throughout the day.

• Cover fresh food scraps with browns immediately to prevent smells.

• If your pile dries out, add water with a hose or watering can.

Once you start composting, you’ll see trash differently — and your plants will thank you for it. It’s one of the easiest ways to cut waste, save money, and boost your garden’s health.

Next week, we’ll explore a DIY natural cleaning project that works just as well as store-bought — without the harsh chemicals.

— Lexi 💚

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