Chapter 1: Understanding Composting

Composting is a powerful way to enhance soil quality while simultaneously minimizing landfill waste.

What is Composting?

Compost is the end product of a natural process that transforms organic materials into nutrient-rich fertilizer. While organic waste will decompose naturally over time, a managed composting system creates an ideal environment for microorganisms, bacteria, and insects, which expedite the breakdown of organic matter.

You can purchase compost at local gardening stores or create your own at home. Although some composting methods may require outdoor space, it is entirely possible to compost using just a bucket on your balcony or even inside your kitchen.

Benefits of Composting

Composting offers numerous advantages.

One of its most appealing aspects is its scalability; anyone can compost regardless of space constraints. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), over 30% of our waste is compostable. By composting at home, you divert food scraps and organic waste from landfills, reducing overall waste in the public disposal system.

Moreover, compost enriches the soil, leading to healthier plants that produce more nutritious fruits and vegetables. Farmers and homesteaders often refer to compost as "Black Gold" for a good reason! Improved soil health promotes moisture retention and prevents erosion.

Creating your own compost allows you to control its ingredients, making it an eco-friendly and manageable option.

What Can Be Composted?

Nearly all organic byproducts can be composted. While organic materials will naturally decompose, you can speed up the process by balancing green materials, rich in nitrogen, with brown materials, high in carbon.

Every item you compost instead of discarding contributes positively to the environment. You can see the impact of your composting efforts in the reduction of waste that ends up in landfills.

The Ideal Greens-to-Browns Ratio

Many online resources discuss the perfect ratio of brown to green materials for effective composting. Most suggest a combined ratio between 25:1 to 30:1 (carbon to nitrogen).

However, it's not just about mechanically following a formula—each material has its unique carbon and nitrogen content. I prefer a more relaxed approach: I simply add all food scraps and garden waste into a pile and adjust as needed. If the compost is too wet, I add more browns; if it's too dry, I add water or greens and aerate it.

Keeping it simple is key. I don't want to overcomplicate things, especially since my family will continuously be adding to the pile.

Here’s a method I've considered for future homesteading:

The Three-Bin System

The three-bin compost system is ideal for those with more land. This setup allows for multiple compost piles at different stages of decomposition, ensuring a constant supply of compost.

Can You Compost Meat and Dairy?

Most experts advise against composting meat, dairy, oils, or cooked foods. While technically feasible, these materials can attract pests and create unpleasant odors if not managed properly.

Historically, my grandparents would feed scraps to farm animals. Nowadays, we must compost responsibly. Alternatively, burying these items deep enough can deter scavengers.

The Bokashi method is another intriguing option. Though it's not true composting but a fermentation process, Bokashi allows for the breakdown of food waste in an airtight container. The resulting "pickled" waste can later be added to an aerobic compost pile or buried in the garden.

The byproduct of Bokashi is a liquid known as Bokashi tea, which can be diluted and used as a fertilizer or even for unclogging drains.

In summary, while it’s preferable to minimize food waste from the start, composting is a better alternative to simply discarding spoiled items.

My aspiration is to establish a sustainable homestead where composting will play a vital role. I plan to incorporate various composting techniques to achieve this goal.

Check out additional articles on homesteading in my publication:

Satoyama: Articles on conservation, sustainable homesteading, community, and healthy living.

Chapter 2: Videos on Composting Techniques

The first video, "The Art & Science of Composting," provides insights into effective composting practices and benefits.

The second video, "The Science Of Composting," dives deeper into the scientific principles behind composting, showcasing methods to optimize your composting efforts.