Composting 101: What You Need to Know | Pioneer Landscape Centers
Composting is one of the most efficient and sustainable ways to turn waste into a valuable resource. But it takes a lot of time and effort to make. For many people, compost is a material that is easier to purchase than make, but how many of them know what goes into preparing compost? How many more are using it correctly or even know what it’s made of? The experts at Pioneer Landscape Centers will explain Composting 101.
Composting 101: What is Compost Made of?
Composting takes organic material and then breaks it down over time into nutrient-rich soil, known as compost. Compost can be made of things like:
- Leaves
- Grass clippings
- Food scraps
- Wood chips
- Coffee grounds
- Paper filters
- Eggshells
- Plant stalks
- Shredded non-colored and non-glossy paper
- Shredded cardboard
When composting, it’s important for manufacturers to pay attention to the quality and balance of materials. For the best compost, look for a mix of “browns” (carbon-rich material like dead leaves) and “greens” (nitrogen-rich material like food scraps).
The ideal ratio is three parts brown to one part green. Additionally, be sure your compost pile has adequate moisture and air circulation for the best results.
Pick the Material that’s Best for You
Make sure you learn what your compost is made of. While it’s often not made of anything unsafe, you or a member of your household may be allergic to any one of the many materials that can be used in compost. Particular brands are made with special materials, so there’s many varieties to choose from. There is bound to be one that’s perfect for you.
Composting 101: What Does Compost Do?
Compost can be used to enrich soils in gardens or farms, helping plants grow more efficiently and produce higher yields. You lay it down over the soil that needs a bit of help and let it sit until it settles in.
How to Utilize Compost
If you want fast-acting compost, make sure it's one where the materials have been chopped or shredded into smaller pieces. Smaller pieces allow microorganisms in the soil to cover more ground and break down the material.
To ensure you’re making the most out of your compost, turn your compost pile every few weeks. This will aerate the materials and help them break down faster.
Composting 101: Saving the Environment
Composting is all about reusing materials instead of buying something new. This uses fewer resources to produce, make, and repackage, while also only reusing bioorganic materials. There’s less risk of pollution or littering because of the materials that are used in compost.
You’re also preventing those materials from ending up in landfills, where they would take up space and release greenhouse gases. Allowing them to break down in a more natural environment helps get rid of them safely.
How Compost Can Improve Your Local Area
Compost can also be used to improve indoor air quality. As you help the environment around the world, you can help your local environment too.
By adding compost to your houseplants, you're not only providing them with essential nutrients for growth but also helping to filter out toxins in the air. Compost serves as a natural source of humidity and reduces volatile organic compounds (VOCs). With some simple composting, you can have cleaner, healthier air indoors!
Get Compost From Your Local Pioneer Landscape Centers
Compost is an incredibly useful material for your landscaping needs. There aren’t many materials that can help reduce waste, reuse materials, offer variety, AND improve the local and world environment. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced composter, there are plenty of resources online to help you get started. With some planning and effort, anyone can become an expert on how to use compost and enjoy the rewards! Don't wait, contact the local experts at Pioneer Landscape Centers for more information.