7 DIY Kitchen Composting Tactics
If you're an experienced gardener, you will likely agree that composting is one of the best ways to enrich your garden soil, while minimizing waste at the same time. It’s simply a win-win! To prove my point, I will share my top seven DIY kitchen composting tactics to help you reuse your kitchen scraps and improve your gardening efforts as well. Let’s dive in!
1. Vermicomposting
Vermicomposting is a fun way to harness the power of worms - known for being nature’s little recyclers. Use a plastic tote to create your own worm bin. Just add some shredded newspaper as a bed, kitchen scraps (avoid citrus foods and onions), and let the worms go to work. You’ll be rewarded with nutrient-rich worm castings that your plants will love after a few months. This is also a great way to involve kids and teach them about the importance of soil health!
2. Bokashi Method
The Bokashi method is a fantastic option if you’re looking for a fast and effective way to compost. This technique enables fermenting of your kitchen waste using a special mix of microorganisms. Make a Bokashi bin from a plastic container with a lid and a drainage spout. Add your kitchen scraps and layer them with Bokashi bran, and in about two weeks, you’ll have fermented compost ready to bury in your garden soil. It can handle meat and dairy, too!
3. Coffee Grounds Collection
This one’s for the caffeine lovers! Save some of your used coffee grounds and sprinkle them directly into the compost bin or garden beds. Coffee grounds add nitrogen to the compost mix that can attract the presence of worms. To create a concentrated and nutrient-dense fertilizer, add in some crushed eggshells. Try not to overdo it though—too much can make your compost acidic.
4. Regrow Your Kitchen Scraps
Did you know some kitchen scraps can actually be regrown? Items like lettuce, onions, and celery can sprout again if you put their root ends in water. You can transfer them to soil after a few days. This way, you can reduce waste while also enjoying fresh produce reused right from your kitchen!
5. Composting with a Tumbler
Want to accelerate your composting? Consider building or buying a compost tumbler. They allow you to mix your compost with ease and aerate it, and these rotating bins can really speed up the time it takes to break down materials. Just toss in your kitchen scraps or other waste, and let the tumbler do its thing. This is an efficient way to create rich compost with minimal labor.
6. Use Leaves and Yard Waste
Don’t forget about your yard, folks. Create a balanced compost pile by combining grass clippings, fallen leaves, and other yard waste with your kitchen scraps. You can achieve the right carbon-to-nitrogen ratio by layering greens (vegetable scraps) with browns (dried leaves or paper). This method helps reduce landfill waste and provides a nutrient-rich soil amendment for healthy plant growth.
7. Apple Cider Vinegar Compost Tea
This is a technique that’s a little different but equally beneficial. If you have some apple cider vinegar left over in the kitchen, you can use it to make a compost tea. Mix a few tablespoons of vinegar with water, and let it sit for a few days. Use this solution to water your plants, and to give them a nutrient boost while deterring pests as well. It’s a simple way to promote plant health and recycle!
Bonus Tip: The "Lasagna" Compost Method
For those of you who have garden beds, you can compost directly in the ground! Simply layer your browns (think shredded paper or dried leaves) with your greens (kitchen scraps) directly into the bed. Think of it as making a tasty "lasagna" treat for your soil. This method is convenient and requires less work to transfer your compost.
For gardeners looking to boost their soil and reduce waste, composting should be an essential part of your gardening routine. Consider incorporating these seven DIY tactics - your plants will thank you for the extra love and nutrients, and so will the environment. Happy composting!
