When we have a garden or orchard at home and we want to start growing it, it is best to choose a completely natural organic fertilizer. For this purpose, natural compost can be created. Organic waste is required, which is obtained through a process called composting. This organic fertilizer is produced thanks to the action of microorganisms responsible for decomposing organic matter. However, there are many people who do not know how to make homemade compost. Therefore, we are going to dedicate this article to telling you step by step how to make homemade compost so that your crops have the best yield and quality.
Key features
As we mentioned before, compost is a type of soil made from organic waste. This waste decomposes due to the action of microorganisms responsible for degrading organic matter. Once it degrades, it produces a fertilizer that helps improve the environment and enrich crops.Natural compost significantly improves soil properties, providing essential nutrients in a sustainable way. Through this completely natural process, compost not only fertilizes plants, but also improves the physical conditions of the soil, such as water retention and aeration.
How to make homemade compost from waste
This compost can be made from organic materials and waste from our homes. Microbes decompose a lot of organic waste, but not all of it is effective. It is important to avoid residues such as bones, meat, fat, dairy products or any material treated with pesticides, which can spoil the mixture. It is recommended to use green waste such as fruit and vegetable peelings, coffee grounds and eggshells, which are rich in nitrogen, which is beneficial for soil fertility. As a complement, brown elements (cardboard, paper, dry leaves, wood) provide carbon, a vital element to balance the mix. The compost bin is a fundamental part of the process. Although optimized composters can be purchased, it is possible to make one at home. It must have good ventilation to facilitate the decomposition of materials, and it must allow the regulation of humidity levels, a key factor for microbes to work efficiently.
How to make your own compost at home
Let's see how to make compost step by step:
- Place a 30cm layer of haystacks. On top of it, put garden waste, shavings, sawdust and plant residues, and moisten it slightly.
- Add a 15cm layer of food or garden waste and moisten again.
- Add a layer of crushed manure (5-10 cm) and another layer of water.
- Alternate green and dry materials to maintain the right balance. Avoid letting compost dry out, as it can attract animals or insects or become overrun by fungi if it is too wet.
- Turn the compost every 15 days and then weekly. The temperature should be kept around 50-60°C to ensure effective decomposition. If the temperature does not rise, add soil, water or more green waste.
Bonus tip: Keep the humidity between 60-80%. If it gets too low, the bacteria will die, and if it gets too high, the compost will rot. Once ready, store the compost in a dry place until use.
Benefits of home composting
Making homemade compost brings numerous benefits for both the environment and gardens. Among the most important benefits we can highlight the following:
- Reduce the volume of organic waste going to landfills, contributing to environmental sustainability.
- Save water thanks to the compost's ability to retain moisture in the soil.
- Provide essential nutrients such as nitrogen, carbon and minerals.
- Improve soil structure, helping to prevent erosion and allowing for better root growth.
- Reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and avoid their negative impact on the environment.
Types of composting
There are different methods for making homemade compost, which can be classified into three main types:
Cold composting
This is one of the simplest methods. It consists of gathering garden waste and organic debris into a container or mound without intervening too much in the process. Decomposition can take up to a year, but requires little maintenance.
hot composting
For those looking for quick results, hot composting is ideal. It requires greater control over the key factors: nitrogen, carbon, air and water. These ingredients accelerate bacterial activity, reducing the waiting time to a few months.
Vermicomposting
In this method, red worms are used to decompose organic waste. These worms are very efficient and produce “worm humus”, a very high-quality fertilizer.
Selection of waste for composting
To ensure that the compost is of the best quality, we must properly select the waste we are going to use. The materials can be divided into several categories:
- Green materials: Fruit scraps, vegetables, coffee grounds, egg shells, fresh grass.
- Brown materials: Dry leaves, cardboard, branches, wood chips, straw.
- Prohibited materials: Animal waste, fats, bones, fish remains, products with high chemical or pesticide content.
It is important not to overuse citrus fruits or quantities of wet materials, as they can slow down or alter the decomposition process.
How to know if compost is ready
The compost is ready when it has a dark brown color and its smell is as similar as possible to that of moist soil. This process can take from 2 to 6 months, depending on the climate, the content of the mix and the maintenance. A good indicator is that food remains will no longer be visible and the mix will have a homogeneous and spongy texture.
Tips to improve composting
For best results and to avoid common problems, please follow these additional recommendations:
- Humidity control: Make sure the compost does not dry out or become too wet. Maintain a balanced humidity level.
- Oxygenation: Turn the mixture periodically to ensure adequate aeration and speed up the decomposition process.
- Avoid unpleasant odors: If the compost smells bad, it is probably too wet. Add dry material and make sure to ventilate it well.
Composting is one of the best ways to recycle our organic waste and contribute to the sustainability of the planet. In addition, it is a very rewarding practice that improves the health of our orchards and gardens. With patience and the necessary care, we can obtain an excellent natural fertilizer for our plants.