How to make homemade compost

HOW TO COMPOST STEP BY STEP FOR YOUR GARDEN

In Gardenprue we have mentioned the characteristics and conditions of home compost and we have given an idea of ​​making a composter. If this step is completed, now you are interested in knowing the products or waste that we can use to make compost.

If you are composting in cold areas, the formation process will likely stop in winter. It is convenient that you make larger piles or insulate the composter with insulating materials (hay, straw, large leaves, etc.). It is also important that the homemade compost  contains materials rich in nitrogen such as herbs and any other plant matter.

A tip, the smaller the waste to compost , the faster it will come into contact with microorganisms and the sooner it will form.

COMPOSTING PHASES

Preparation:  The starting materials are conditioned and mixed to regulate their
water content , the size of the particles, eliminate the non-transformable elements and adjust the
nutrients to achieve an adequate C / N ratio.
Mesophilic decomposition:  (<40ºC) there is a degradation of sugars and amino acids by the action of groups of bacteria (Bacillus and Thermus).
Thermophilic decomposition:  (40-60ºC) polymer waxes and hemicellulose are degraded by fungi from the group of actinomycetes ( Micromonospora, Streptomyces and Actinomyces ).

Cooling mesophilic decomposition : (<40ºC) celluloses and lignins are degraded by bacteria and fungi ( Aspergilus and Mucor ).

Maturation: the humus stabilizes and polymerizes at room temperature, oxygen consumption decreases and phytotoxicity disappears.

WHAT TO ADD TO COMPOST?

  • Vegetable debris (grasses, thin branches, leaves, roots, manure, etc.).
  • Food (peelings or grated fruits and vegetables, vegetables, chopped eggshells, etc.),
  • Kitchen or cafeteria waste (coffee grounds, infusion bags, bottle cork, kitchen paper, etc.).
  • Dusts and lint.
  • Sawdust or wood shavings.

WHAT NOT TO ADD TO COMPOST?

  • Leftover meat or fish.
  • Dairy product leftovers.
  • Animal feces.
  • Oils or fats.
  • Rotten remains.
  • NON-organic materials (glass, plastic, metal, etc.).
  • Cooked food remains (because it contains fats and oils).

All the products mentioned above, except those that are NOT organic, are not recommended due to the bad odors they produce.

WHEN WILL THE COMPOST BE READY?

 The process of making   compost is variable, and depends on the waste that is added. Compost will be seen to be ready when it has a dark color, earthy odor , and is crumbly. 

However, there are times when, due to the conditions we create, we get a fast and good quality compost in a few weeks.

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