Household organic waste — plant and animal scraps alike — is worked over by fungi, bacteria and insects tiny and large until it becomes nutrient-rich soil. That is compost: a free, all-in-one organic fertiliser that replaces expensive bought products, provided the heap gets both the moisture and the air it needs.
Compost is without a doubt the answer to the trending quest for organic produce and for environment-conscious solutions in general. It also stands as a tried and true alternative to chemical fertilizers and products.
But what is compost truly for?
Compost is an all-in-one organic fertilizer
Fungi, bacteria and insects turn waste into nutrient-rich soil
Compost is produced by breaking down organic matter in a relatively dry environment. Micro-organisms of all sorts convert decaying matter into nutrient-rich soil.
At play are a host of fungi, bacteria, and insects tiny and large.
Thanks to the breaking down of our own organic waste, we are now able to produce organic fertilizer that is on par with the best alternatives to feed and heal our plants.
Composting needs moisture, but it also needs air, as opposed to fermenting which needs more water. (as is done for weeds occasionally).
Waste segregation, a habit worth learning
Sorting waste makes home composting straightforward
Now mainstream and mandatory in most cities, waste segregation helped us to sort out our trash based on where they came from and where they will go next.
It thus became very simple to segregate plant and animal waste to produce our very own compost. Moreover, in some regions and countries, it’s now an obligation to do so: it reduces the load on waste management.
Producing your own compost: advantages
Composting feeds plants and cuts domestic waste
Making your compost is an eco-friendly practice that makes the lives of our plants better and reduces domestic waste.
But it is also a substantial source of savings because compost very easily and effectively replaces fertilizers, some of which are downright expensive when purchased on the market.
Written by Gaspard Lorthiois | Loves helping out, especially when it comes to growing things. Worked in herbal medicine, runs a farm, and dabbles in tech. Master's degree and engineer.
