Composting is basically a very nice recycling process in the garden. Waste from plants, lawn clippings, or spoiled fruit is not simply thrown into the household trash as before, but collected in a separate compost area. Here, the waste can rot and thrive into good topsoil. Admittedly, this process takes a little while, but it is definitely worth it.
The ideal compost location
Finding the right place for the compost should not be difficult. A sufficiently shady spot that is not exposed to too much moisture is ideal. Those who want to be very precise should use two containers to start composting. In the first, waste is collected; in the second container, the piles started in the first are transferred. It is very beneficial for composting if gardeners mix the waste: lawn clippings, shrub trimmings, spoiled fruit, and vegetable scraps are mixed with leaves and wood chips. It is important that the waste does not compress too much, as this would lead to a lack of oxygen and the individual components would not be able to decompose well or completely. Furthermore, the odor caused by this uneven decomposition is not exactly conducive to a garden idyll.
After about 3 months, garden enthusiasts can transfer the semi-rotted materials into the second container. This turning promotes the composting process and aeration. Good humus can be recognized by a pleasant forest floor smell.
Proper composting is not rocket science
Unfortunately, many gardeners often make serious mistakes when composting. Yet, setting up a compost pile is not as difficult as some might assume. If a few important criteria are observed, rich soil will soon be created, which can also benefit the garden plants.
Therefore, the following can be disposed of without concern:
- Small animal bedding
- Eggshells
- Autumn leaves
- Paper towels
- Coffee grounds
- Tea bags including filters
- Vegetable scraps
- Potted plants
- Cut flowers
- Shrub or perennial trimmings
- Fruit
- Lawn clippings and similar items.
However, some waste has no place in the compost and harms the composting process or even attracts mice or rats.
Citrus fruits do not belong in the compost, but in the household trash. The substances contained in the peels, which usually have an antifungal effect, decompose quite slowly. Small amounts can be used in the compost, but larger waste is not conducive to the decay process.
Weeds should only be added to the compost if they have not yet formed seeds; otherwise, other garden pests could carelessly develop here.
Furthermore,
- Fats and oils
- Food scraps such as meat, fish, and cheese
- Baked goods
- Wood or coal ash
- Dog and cat feces
- Diseased plant parts
are better disposed of in the household trash – these are not beneficial to the compost and, in the worst case – as already mentioned – only attract uninvited guests to the garden.
What happens in the compost heap?
What happens now is truly amazing. In the compost heap, microscopic bacteria, fungi, and other living creatures gradually settle and feel right at home. Thanks to these microorganisms, the compost is decomposed. But mites, centipedes, and ground beetles also find a home here and make themselves quite comfortable.
But it is not just nature that lets the compost thrive; humans must also do their part. Hobby gardeners like to stretch a tarp over their compost heap so that waterlogging does not occur when it rains.
Wide ventilation shafts also ensure that sufficient oxygen reaches the compost on the side walls so that the air can circulate adequately. However, neither the bottom nor the top opening should ever be completely sealed. This allows living creatures to colonize the compost, excess water to drain away unhindered, and oxygen to do its work.
Tip:Wire mesh panels between the ground and the compost also prevent mice, voles, or moles from entering unwantedly.
Read also: Building a garden path: Planning and preparation
Photo by Sabine, meinhaushalt.at
