Composting is an eco-friendly and sustainable way to reduce waste and create nutrient-rich soil for your garden. However, not everything can be composted, and there are certain mistakes to avoid if you want your compost to thrive. In this ultimate guide to composting, we’ll go over what to put in your compost pile and what to avoid, so you can create the perfect compost for your garden.
What to Put In Your Compost Pile:
- Fruit and vegetable scraps – These are excellent sources of nitrogen and can help speed up the composting process.
- Eggshells – Eggshells are a great source of calcium and can help balance the pH of your compost.
- Coffee grounds and tea leaves – These are rich in nitrogen and can help add acidity to your compost.
- Grass clippings and leaves – These are great sources of carbon and can help balance the nitrogen in your compost.
- Shredded paper and cardboard – These are also great sources of carbon and can help absorb excess moisture in your compost.
- Yard waste – Twigs, branches, and other yard waste can be added to your compost pile, but make sure to chop them up into small pieces first.
What to Avoid:
- Meat and dairy products – These can attract pests and create unpleasant odors in your compost pile.
- Oily and greasy food – These can also attract pests and slow down the composting process.
- Pet waste – This can contain harmful pathogens and should not be added to your compost pile.
- Diseased plants – These can spread diseases to your garden, so it’s best to dispose of them in the trash.
By following these guidelines, you can create nutrient-rich compost that will help your garden thrive. Happy composting!