Food Compost 101
Composting
Let’s dive into a practice that’s as old as time but just as relevant now: composting. Not only does it reduce food waste, but it also transforms kitchen scraps into nutrient-rich soil for your garden. As someone who grew up in India, where resourcefulness is a way of life, I’m excited to share how composting fits into a mindful and sustainable lifestyle.
In many cultures, including my own, wasting anything—be it food, clothing, or furniture—is simply not done. We recycle, repurpose, and reclaim every bit of what we can. This ethos extends to the kitchen, where composting can turn your food scraps into a powerful tool for nurturing your garden.
What is Composting?
At its core, composting is the natural process of breaking down organic material into nutrient-rich compost. It’s a mix of plant and food waste, organic materials, and manure that, when properly managed, can enhance soil properties and provide a lush environment for your plants.
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Medium Outdoor Compost Bin featuring Cooper
The Basics of Composting
Starting a compost pile is simpler than you might think. Begin by layering some soil, leaves, and twigs at the bottom of your compost bin. This provides a base of carbon-rich materials. Next, add your “green” materials—fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and eggshells. Avoid adding dairy, meat, or greasy foods, as these can attract pests and slow down the composting process.
For a successful compost, balance is key. The carbon in soil and the nitrogen in green materials need to be in harmony. To jumpstart the process, you can mix in a bit of old compost, which introduces beneficial microbes. Regularly turning the compost ensures it stays active and prevents it from drying out. If the pile starts to look dry, simply add some water. When your compost is dark brown and crumbly, and you can’t identify any of the original materials, it’s ready to use.
Large Outdoor Compost Bin Near Garden
Composting in the Kitchen
When I prepare food, I use my peels and skins and save them in a small countertop container for either making a stock or adding to my composter. The stock you make using onion peels, carrots, or other vegetable peels and ends, garlic, ginger bits, and tomatoes is delicious when added to your cooking instead of using water.
Making Composting Work for You
I use a medium-sized composter that’s conveniently placed near my kitchen. Its accessibility ensures that composting becomes a regular part of my routine. In contrast, I have a larger compost pile in my backyard and smaller piles in garden pots, but they’re less accessible and not used as frequently. The key to successful composting is making it easy for yourself.
Ready to Compost?
If you’re new to composting, start small. Set up a simple bin, gather your kitchen scraps, and begin. With a bit of patience and attention, you’ll soon have rich, dark compost ready to enrich your garden soil. Composting not only benefits your plants but also aligns with a mindful approach to reducing waste and nurturing the environment.
Are you ready to give composting a try? Embrace this eco-friendly practice and enjoy the satisfaction of turning kitchen scraps into garden gold. Let’s get composting!
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SHOPPING LINKS
Looking for quick shopping links? Check out these website below that I personally use:
My Outdoor Compost (pictured in the blog)
Simple Human Small Kitchen Counter Compost
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SHOPPING DISCLAIMER:
The shopping links provided on this website are for convenience only. Dr. Priya Deshpande and Deliciously Healthy MD are not affiliated with or compensated by any of the brands mentioned. These links do not imply endorsement. Please consult a healthcare professional before making any purchase decisions.
