Gardening is a fulfilling hobby, but it can also be expensive. Buying soil amendments and fertilizers can quickly add up. Fortunately, there is a simple solution that can help you save money while improving your garden: composting! Check out the turnWise Composting program by MBG! By turning kitchen scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich compost, you will create a sustainable gardening practice that pays off in the long run. In this post, we will look at the many ways composting can enhance your garden and how this natural process can lead to a flourishing outdoor space.
What is Composting?
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Composting is the method of converting organic materials—such as fruit and vegetable scraps, yard debris, and other biodegradable items—into a rich substance called compost. This natural fertilizer not only nourishes your soil but also encourages plant growth and limits the demand for chemical fertilizers. As a result, composting acts as a practical example of recycling, minimizing waste and promoting environmentally friendly gardening methods.
The Cost Savings of Composting
The expenses associated with maintaining a vibrant garden can be significant. For instance, a typical bag of potting soil can cost between $15 to $25, depending on quality and size. Making compost with the turnWise program is only $5 a month. When you make your own compost, these costs are drastically reduced. Consider the average household that produces approximately 400 pounds of organic waste per year. If you started composting that waste, you could save upwards of $500 annually on garden supplies and have a healthier garden. By recycling vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and eggshells into compost, you can significantly lessen your reliance on commercial fertilizers and soils.
Benefits of Homemade Compost
Nutrient-Rich Soil Amendment
Homemade compost contains key nutrients that are crucial for plant development, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Unlike synthetic fertilizers found in store-bought products, compost delivers these nutrients in a natural, slow-release form, ensuring your plants receive consistent nourishment over time. For example, using compost can increase soil organic matter by 5% to 10%, promoting a healthy, thriving environment for your plants.
Improved Soil Structure
Incorporating compost into your garden not only enriches the soil but also enhances its structure. Adding compost can improve soil aeration and drainage by up to 30%, leading to stronger root systems and more resilient plants. Healthy roots are essential for growth, and with compost, you are giving your plants the best chance to thrive.
Increased Biodiversity
A compost-rich garden fosters a diverse range of microorganisms and beneficial earthworms. These organisms are pivotal in breaking down organic matter and enhancing soil fertility. A well-established compost ecosystem can increase earthworm populations by 100% or more, greatly benefiting your plant's growth potential.
How to Get Started with Composting
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Assembling and Choosing a Compost Bin & getting a Compost Thermometer.
Starting a composting system is easier than you might think. The first thing to do is choose a suitable container. You can use a pre-made compost bin, create a simple pile in your backyard, or set up a worm bin for vermicomposting. Your choice should depend on your available space, the volume of organic waste you produce, and your composting goals.
What to Compost
Knowing what to include in your compost pile is crucial for success. Get help and analytics to give you a better understanding and way to put together your compost ingredients. Aim for a balanced mix of "greens" (nitrogen-rich materials such as green plant clippings, fruit scraps, and coffee grounds) and "browns" (carbon-rich materials like dried leaves, cardboard, and straw). A good rule of thumb is to maintain a ratio of about 1 part greens to 3 parts browns. Get a full working recipe when you sign up for MBG's turnWise composter program. Know more, Grow more with turnWise Compost.
Caring for Your Compost
Your compost pile should get up to 131 degrees Fahrenheit within the first 24 hours of it being assembled. To achieve the best results, your compost pile will need some attention. Regularly turning the pile helps aerate the materials, retain moisture, and control temperatures. By stirring it every 4 to 6 weeks, you can speed up the breakdown process. In a timeframe of three to six months, you will have rich, dark compost to enhance your garden!
Using Compost in Your Garden
Once your compost is ready, you can incorporate it into your gardening routine in various ways:
Soil Amendment
You can enrich your garden beds by mixing several inches of compost into the existing soil before planting. This practice provides an excellent nutrient-rich foundation for flowers, vegetables, and herbs.
Mulching
Using compost as mulch can help suppress weeds, retain moisture, and add nutrients as it breaks down. More importantly it is a great way of getting more organic material into your soil media. Simply spread a layer of compost around your plants, but be careful to keep it a few inches away from their stems to prevent rot.
Compost Tea
To maximize the benefits of your compost, you can create compost tea. This liquid fertilizer is made by carefully inoculating non-chlorinated water with bioBalanced Compost. This is a complicated endeavor and this process deserves appropriate care and attention in order to achieve success. After a controlled monitored brew period, you will have a nutrient-rich solution ready to water onto your plants—perfect for a quick nutrient boost! Compost Tea is not a set it and forget it tool! Join us to learn more.
The Environmental Impact of Composting
Composting is not only valuable for your garden and your finances; its environmental benefits are significant. By composting, you can reduce the 25% of household waste that typically ends up in landfills, thereby decreasing methane emissions—an impact that can be up to 30 times more potent than carbon dioxide. Additionally, composting conserves resources and contributes to sustainable gardening practices, making it a win-win for the planet.
Final Thoughts
Composting and gardening complement each other perfectly, providing an eco-friendly and economical way to cultivate a lush garden. By creating your own compost, you can save money, improve your soil quality, support healthier plants, and contribute to environmental well-being. So, why wait? Begin your composting journey today and unlock the incredible benefits it can offer your garden! Join us at Micro Bio Grow and let us help you change the world.
Embrace the transformative power of composting and watch your garden flourish like never before!
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