Composting is an effective way to reduce waste and give back to the environment.

It is an easy and sustainable way to make use of food scraps and other organic materials, and can even produce rich, nutrient-rich soil for gardening.

Related Post: Compost is the Best Supplement for Your Garden Soil

In this blog article, we will explain the basics of how to start composting and provide tips on how to maintain your compost pile over time.

By the end, you will have the knowledge and tools you need to become a successful composter!

What is Compost?

Compost is a type of organic matter that is decomposed and broken down into a nutrient-rich soil amendment.

Composting is the process of collecting organic waste and allowing it to break down naturally over time.

When done correctly, composting not only reduces the amount of waste going to landfills, but also helps create a more nutrient-rich soil for gardening.

What Can I Compost?

Almost any organic material that has been used or discarded can be composted.

Below is a list of items that you can compost at home: 

• Food scraps 
• Grass clippings 
• Leaves
• Newspaper

 Additionally, you can add food waste such as: 

• Eggshells 
• Coffee grounds
• Tea bags

"Can you compost bread?" is a common question to ask and the answer is yes, but you have to go about it a certain way. 

The bread has to be stale, ripped in small pieces, placed in the center of your compost pile and thoroughly covered, according to Bob Vila.

How to Start Composting: 

To start composting, you will need to create a compost bin or pile and add the organic material to it.

A good recipe for compost is to mix together equal parts of green materials (such as grass clippings, food scraps, and weeds) and brown materials (such as leaves, straw, and newspaper). 

To help the compost break down, add one part of soil to the mix. 

Additionally, you can add a few tablespoons of nitrogen fertilizer to help speed up the decomposition process. 

Our organic Blood Meal 13-0-0 fertilizer is a great choice for this since it is all natural and high in nitrogen. 

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Finally, make sure to keep the compost moist but not wet.

You will also need to turn the compost pile regularly to help it break down. 

Once the compost is ready, you can use it as a nutrient-rich soil amendment to fertilize your garden.

The best compost for tomatoes for example, is rich in organic matter, holds moisture, but allows water to drain.

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Make sure to keep the compost in a warm, dry place and keep it moist but not wet.

In this case, you may also be wondering should compost be in the sun? 

It's helpful to know that compost should be kept in a warm, dry place but not in direct sunlight. 

Direct sunlight can cause the compost to dry out, which can slow down the decomposition process. 

Additionally, direct sunlight can cause the compost to reach too high of a temperature, which can kill off beneficial microbes and organisms.

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Moving forward, you will also need to turn the compost pile regularly to help it break down.

Once the compost is ready, you can use it as a nutrient-rich soil amendment to fertilize your garden. 

At this point, you may want to consider using a compost sifter. 

A compost sifter is a tool used to separate larger pieces of organic material from the finished compost. 

This process makes it easier to collect the finished compost and use it as soil for gardening.

 What Are the Benefits of Composting?

Composting offers numerous benefits, both for the environment and for the gardener.

1. Reduces the amount of waste going to landfill

2. Creates a nutrient-rich soil amendment 

3. Helps to retain soil moisture 

4. Aerates the soil

5. Reduces the amount of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides used in gardening

Related Post: How to Make an Indoor Garden Compost Bin

Compost Today for a Greener Garden Tomorrow

Composting is a great way to reduce your environmental footprint and be kinder to the planet.

By using compost in your garden, you can help create a more sustainable and eco-friendly environment.

Although composting may seem like a challenge, our high nitrogen fertilizers like: 

Blood Meal 13-0-0

Crustacean Meal 4-0-0

Feather Meal 12-0-0

Can help speed up the decomposition process for when compost is ready to use in your soil.

Don’t hesitate to grab one of our high nitrogen fertilizers and start your own compost pile today!