Composting 102: Uses for Compost
Did you start composting with me?! I’m back to share how it’s been going and give an update on our success with it. If you are new, go back to the first post to read how we got started. Overall, it’s smooth and is much easier than we originally thought it would be. Our first batch turned out perfectly, and we’ve since completed a second batch, and are onto our third (it’s been about 4 months). Read on to hear about our learnings and how we’ve used our completed compost.
Firstly, composting is way easier than we thought it would be. When we initially did some research and got our supplies, we were a little overwhelmed. It seemed like so much could go wrong. We continue to stick to all non-living materials (nothing with dairy, no meat and no egg shells) and we haven’t had any major issues yet. We didn’t end up using the countertop bin because it takes up so much space, and instead we keep an empty Cool Whip container on hand to fill up as we prep our meals, immediately taking it out afterward or at the end of each day. It’s been so much easier than the bulky scrap container!
We were putting way more food into our trash than we ever realized. This discovery was almost shocking to us. Diverting food scraps away from our trash can has not only saved on the stink factor, but has kept our trash to a more minimal level.
It’s fun! Composting is like a little science experiment. It’s interesting to see it come to “life” and break down as the weeks go on. Tending to it is a little break away from screens that I didn’t know I needed. Might I add that the pure earthy smell that it puts off is my favorite. It smells just like a forest rain. Maybe that’s just me?
Quick composting tips:
Keep it moving! It’s important to keep turning the pile. Our container easily spins, so I make sure to give it a whirl every time I am out adding to it or taking out the trash.
Keep the pieces small. I noticed in our second batch that some of the larger pieces didn’t break down all the way, so I should have chopped them up into smaller chunks around 3-4” each. This included a sweet potato that went bad, a broccoli stem, and some longer flower stems.
If it seems too dry, just add water. It seems that the moist compost breaks down faster and overall looks healthier.
And finally, our favorite uses so far:
During the first round of compost, we added a bit to each of our house plants. We have several plants scattered throughout, so one batch was a great way to feed them.
I have added some of the compost to my fall mums on my porch. I start with potting soil, add in compost, and then put more soil on top for a mix. They have never looked this healthy!
This fall, we planted a small hydrangea garden with six new bushes around one of our trees, and used a big batch of compost to feed each one. I look forward to seeing these bloom in the summer.
We haven’t done this yet, but you can also spread compost on your lawn to revive it for the next season.
