Organic compost is combining organic materials for healthy decomposition. These wastes are layered together to create an environment for the growth of microbes, fungi, and other decomposing bacteria to make all-natural fertiliser. Of course, making organic compost requires time, patience, and choosing the right raw materials to enhance the soil in any garden.
What are the benefits of organic compost?
- Waste reduction – Composts convert waste into useful components for gardens, reducing waste sent to landfills. Waste and scraps become reusable resources that produce methane.
- Enriching the soil – Composts provide natural nutrients to create rich soil without relying on chemical fertilisers. It also balances the soil’s pH.
- Water retention – Compost helps raise the soil’s moisture retention and decreases runoff.
- Attracting useful organisms – Composts attract worms and beneficial organisms to aid in plant growth.
What materials are good for organic compost?
- Coffee grounds – Don’t throw away used coffee grounds. They make a good organic addition to any compost pile.
- Hair – Don’t throw away hair you clean out around the house or bathroom. They’re filled with nitrogen that’s good for compost.
- Food scraps – Banana peels, eggshells, fruit cores, and vegetable scraps are great for composts. This waste contains nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium.
- Newspaper – Shredded paper is an effective ingredient for compost. Newspaper ink is 100% non-toxic and is safe for the soil.
- Sawdust – Sawdust is compostable, but nitrogen materials need to be added to balance out its carbon content so it breaks down faster.
- Grass clippings and dead leaves – These are high in nitrogen and break down fast.
Avoid greasy food, dairy products, whole dead plants, animal feces, or lint as these are difficult to decompose, attracts pests, and emit bad smells.
Other things to consider:
- Pick the right bin – A sturdy compost container is important. Storage containers, garbage cans, old drawers or pallets, or milk crates make for good bins.
- Pick a good location – Keep your compost container away from extreme weather, indoor cleaning products, and pets. Never allow your compost to dry out.
- Shred all materials – Break down all materials by shredding or peeling them into smaller pieces. Shredded paper or banana peels promotes aeration and the compost heap breaks down faster.
Labrador Landscape Supplies
If you need more materials to help you with your organic compost, Labrador Landscape Supplies can help you. We also have ready to use quality compost or compost-soil mixes. We can also advise you on other materials you might need for your garden or landscaping. Call us now on 07 5537 2841 or you can drop a message at https://landscape-supply.com.au/.