Why make homemade compost?

Home composting is a natural and ecological way to provide all the nutrients our plants need, using waste materials we have right in our kitchens. Today, even in urban environments, we can make good use of this organic waste that would otherwise end up in a landfill. We can control the entire process from scratch, without adding toxic chemicals, using some of the most common waste such as banana peels, apple skins, and countless other items we often overlook and whose value we're unaware of.

Would you like to learn about the benefits of making your own compost? Stay tuned!

WHAT IS COMPOSTING?

Compost is the result of the natural aerobic decomposition of organic waste, which transforms it into organic fertilizer with a spectrum of nutrients readily available to plants. Mature compost contains phosphorus, potassium, and many other elements and minerals essential for soil fertility.

WHY IS HOME COMPOSTING IMPORTANT?

There are numerous benefits to starting to compost at home:

· We return organic matter to the soil, enriching it in this way.

· We close the carbon cycle of organic matter (reduction of CO2 emissions).

· We obtain a superior quality fertilizer, free of charge, without any kind of chemical product.

· We reduce the amount of waste that ends up in the landfill and our personal carbon footprint.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF HOMEMADE COMPOST?

· Facilitates proper aeration and moisture retention of the soil.

· It is a natural and homemade product, free of chemicals and pathogens.

· Rich in macronutrients, making it an excellent fertilizer to use in our module or raised bed .

• Economical since it is obtained from a simple process, easy to do in our own kitchen.

DO WE NEED A COMPOST BIN TO MAKE COMPOST?

As a general rule, the composter must meet a series of requirements:

• Have a ventilation system allowing the entry of oxygen

• Ease of opening and handling.

• Have a top closure system to prevent the entry of unwanted insects and maintain relative humidity conditions favorable for the composting process.

Although compost can be made in a simple pile where organic waste is deposited, in urban environments we recommend using the following composters as they are practical and convenient:

• Worm composter : Perfect for placing in the kitchen or on a patio. You might wonder, "Does it smell bad? Worms in the kitchen?" Well, no: it doesn't smell bad, and there won't be any worms in your kitchen. Firstly, because it's designed for use in the home (indoors or outdoors), and the decomposition of plant waste by the worms is aerobic and very fast, therefore, it doesn't lead to other anaerobic processes that we associate with bad smells. When properly managed (all Urban Green Club models include a starter guide), you'll notice a fresh, rainy-day smell when you open the box. Secondly, because these are earthworms—not worms—just like the ones in the soil beneath us. In nature, they create underground tunnels, oxygenating and nourishing plants; they're our allies! At home, they won't be able to leave the composter; besides, they're shy and don't like to see the light.

• Bokashi Composter : Like the worm composter, it's perfect for placing in easily accessible locations such as the kitchen counter. It's a sophisticated and practical waste management composter that eliminates the inconveniences typically associated with having an organic waste bin in the kitchen. The use of bran with beneficial microorganisms (Bokashi) ensures that the fermentation process is carried out correctly, thus composting without rotting and resulting in the perfect semi-composted organic base for top-quality fertilizer. Furthermore, during the process, you can extract liquid compost (leachate) to apply diluted to plants that need it most. All Urban Green Club models include a starter manual and 1 kg of Bokashi bran, which is usually enough for 6 months or more.

MATERIALS NEEDED TO MAKE OUR 100% ORGANIC COMPOST

Our own waste is sufficient, such as banana peels, vegetable scraps, etc. We try to introduce a good variety of materials with the aim of obtaining excellent, nutrient-rich compost.

It's advisable to add these scraps chopped or shredded , as this will help you get compost faster. Also, all the material must be organic, and you should try to mix it to encourage the process.

MORE TIPS

1) Place the composter in an easily accessible and convenient location, and instruct the people you live with on how to use it (even if only when you are not there).

2) Combine different techniques: in nature all functions are satisfied by various elements of the ecosystem.

3) What do we throw away? Vegetable and fruit scraps, coffee grounds, plant and flower remains, eggshells, orange, lemon, and apple peels, etc. To avoid problems, it is important that the waste is of plant origin .

Add compost to your life and join the urban gardening revolution!