How to Compost the DIY Way

by Joanna Burns    May 30, 2018

London ranks among the world’s greenest cities. Nearly half of the metropolis’ territory is covered with green open spaces among which are an estimated 3.8 million private gardens. If you too are among the lucky Londoners who have their own garden or a backyard, you can try composting… that is if you still haven’t done that. That practice comes with many benefits and it is one of the best and greenest ways to get rid of organic waste such as:

  • Vegetable and fruit scraps;
  • Grass and leaves;
  • Coffee grinds;
  • Eggshells;

The greatest thing about composting is that you do not really need to buy any special equipment to do it.

Why composting is important?

Composting comes with benefits which are really hard to overlook. As a start, it will enable you to quickly and responsibly get rid of organic waste or, to be more precise, to reuse it. In addition to that, it will help your garden to flourish and thrive because using compost can improve soil quality since organic waste has excellent nutritious qualities. What is more, if there are any traces of contamination and pesticides in your garden’s soil, the compost will gradually absorb them. Composting is also incredibly good for the environment too because it reduces methane emissions which are known to be a contributing factor to global warming.

Pictured: Compost bins

Composting at home

Even though you can compost both indoors and outdoors, it is preferable to take things outside. In that way, there will be no weird smells in the house. Plus, indoor composting requires the purchase of special composting hardware.

To compost outside, in your own backyard or garden, you will first need to choose the ideal spot for that. Pick a place that is shady, dry and located close to a water source. Such conditions will allow for the collected organic waste to quickly and effectively compost. Make sure that your compost spot remains protected from winds at all times, otherwise the process will slow down and your waste will be flying around at the smallest gust of wind.

You don’t need to buy a compost bin. You can easily make one out of an old trash bin. Clean it and drill some holes in it to let the air get in and speed up the composting. That’s it! Easy, right? As a matter of fact, you don’t even need a bin. You can simply collect your organic waste in a pile. Well, that won’t be the most appealing idea but given that it has to be in a dark and shady part of your backyard or garden, it will not spoil your home’s overall appearance.

Remember that not all organic waste is suitable for your DIY compost spot. Things like weeds, treated wood and diseased plants can do more harm to your garden than good. Contact a trusted garden clearance company in London and have the professionals collect and dispose of that type of junk.

Don’t forget to keep your compost moist and to turn it from time to time. By doing so the organic matter will break down more effectively.

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