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Compost: practical guide for ecological gardening

Compost: practical guide for ecological gardening.

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Compost is part of a natural practice for recycling organic waste, such as leaves, seed shells, and fruit and vegetable peels, and turning them into a natural fertilizer for plants.

 

Good compost production is needed in the kitchen and in the orchard. With it, you can return humus to the countryside and recycle all vegetable waste produced at home and abroad. The final result of the composting process is fertile soil that is easy to use in the garden and in the vegetable garden.

There are large composting plants, but this process of fermentation and transformation of organic matter can also be activated in small homes and in our gardens. In this article we will see all the stages of composting : the composter to use, what to put and what not to put in the compost.

What is compost and how to start producing it

To start making compost, you will need a container to collect organic waste. A good choice is a composter , which is a waterproof container that allows you to have control over the temperature and humidity inside. Another option is a compost pile , which can be made in a specially designated area in your garden or patio .

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Once you have a container, you need to start collecting organic waste. They are suitable for the production of compost leaves, seed hulls, fruit and vegetable peels, wood ashes, grass clippings, garden residues, kitchen waste and cotton rags. It is important to mix the waste to ensure balanced decomposition.

Basic ingredients for making compost:

  1. matter that decomposes
  2. oxygen to ventilate the decomposition
  3. water for watering

To produce quality compost, it is necessary to create an environment suitable for decomposition. The compost should be moist but not wet, and the temperature should be between 65 and 70 degrees Celsius. The higher temperature promotes decomposition. To maintain ideal conditions, the compost should be stirred periodically.

 

Finally, the compost is ready when it becomes a dark , nutrient-rich material . Once produced, it can be used to fertilize your garden soil and help plants grow healthily.

Composting is a fun and sustainable way to recycle organic waste and produce a natural fertilizer for your plants. Following this guide will allow you to start making compost easily and safely. To make a good fertilizer you can use two methods: use the composter or use a pile or a hole but, of course, the first solution optimizes times and improves the quality of the fertilizer.

How to use the composter

The composter is an ecological tool that allows you to transform food waste into a nutritious product that can be used as a natural fertilizer . The composter can be a great resource for your cultivation of vegetables, flowers and plants. Knowing how to use it correctly is the key to getting a good result.

 

First, choose a good quality compost bin. Make sure that the composition is resistant to water, heat and weather. Also, check that the composter has a lid and a ventilation grille.

Once you have purchased your composter, choose a suitable place to place it . The composter must be placed in a dry, well-ventilated place away from direct heat sources, such as the sun.

Once you’ve found the right place, it’s time to start composing. You can start with a layer of organic material such as nut shells, grass clippings, or dry leaves. Inorganic material such as paper, cardboard or pieces of wood can be used as a primer layer.

Next, add the food scraps to the compost bin. This includes fruit and vegetable scraps, egg shells and coffee filters. Make sure these scraps are mixed well with the organic materials.

Finally, when the composter is full, add a layer of compost or manure and some water. This will help speed up the decomposition process. Remember to mix all the ingredients well and keep the composter well-ventilated.

The composter takes a few weeks to turn food scraps into a rich fertilizer. Once ready, you can use the compost to fertilize your vegetable gardens or plants.

For the compost it is necessary to create a balanced mixture between dry and wet material , moving it from time to time to oxygenate and maintain the right humidity. From the most versatile materials, after a few months a dark, fragrant and homogeneous material is obtained, which is the result of the work of many different living beings, from worms to fungi, from bacteria to many other decomposing microorganisms.

Another important thing to remember is that the composter should not be used as a waste container. Only food scraps and other organic materials should be added to the composter. Any other waste should be disposed of properly.

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