Make your compost

"Let's reduce our waste!" is one of the messages that has been in vogue for some time. And that's a good thing! One of the techniques is to compost so-called "green" or "organic" waste (in the compostable sense). Composting is a real gesture for the environment by avoiding transporting waste and burying or incinerating it when it can be recycled. But be careful not to confuse everything and do anything. Even if composting is simple, you still need to pay some attention to your compost. First of all, note that composting is not the same as rotting! And what differentiates these two methods of degrading matter is oxygen. Yes, oxygen, an essential element for life. And life, fauna and flora, is the only way to obtain quality compost. In addition, aerated composting is composting without discomfort: no odors, no flies. So, we already understand that composting is breaking down so-called "organic" matter thanks to flora and fauna. What is compost used for? Compost is one of the most complete contributions made to the soil. Indeed, it is described as both an amendment and an organic fertilizer. That is to say, on the one hand, it improves the very structure of the soil and, on the other hand, it fertilizes the soil and therefore provides future plants with essential nutrients for their development. In doing so, it also constitutes a form of plant protection. Humus increases the soil's nutrient reservoir, improves water retention in the soil and its availability for plants. How to make compost? What to put in your compost? There are two main categories of "compostable" waste: green waste and brown waste. The former degrade very quickly with a tendency to rot because the air circulates poorly: these are lawn clippings or kitchen waste for example (fruit and vegetable peelings, leftover meals, spoiled products, of plant or animal origin etc.) The latter degrade much less quickly but have the particularity of being very "structuring", that is to say that they allow air to circulate easily: these are dead leaves, pruning waste, green plants etc... Which composter to use? If you have a large garden you can make your compost in a corner at the back of it. Otherwise you can opt for a composting bin or composter, when the quantities to be managed are "normal". By always alternating layers of moistened green waste and brown waste, the quality of the compost will be optimal: each time green materials, especially kitchen waste, are added, the same volume of brown waste should be added. The chef's secret? Always have a constant humidity of around 50/70% and good aeration. It is also recommended to turn your compost. For the most diligent, a monthly turning will accelerate the composting. But if the aeration of the materials is correct and you are short of time, a first turning after 6 months is sufficient. You should know that if your compost smells bad, it is because it has not been turned enough! When to harvest? A mature compost can be identified by its characteristic smell of undergrowth and its very dark brown color, and sometimes even black. The earthworms that had taken up residence there (don't worry, they are precious allies) have all or almost all left, which means that there is no longer enough food for them, but for you, your compost is ready. How to use it? There is no need to bury it, that would be in most cases, a waste of time and effort. The ideal solution to enhance your compost is to spread it as mulch in your vegetable garden near young plants, demanding vegetables in the vegetable garden, rose bushes, soils poor in humus, to lighten heavy soils and give consistency to light soils etc. Nature, fauna and flora, will know perfectly how to exploit this compost and its action will be maximum. Tip: it is not always possible to put all the clippings in a composter, to use them spread the clippings as mulch in your vegetable garden and around your hedges. Same tip with the dead leaves that abound during the fall, use them to make your mulches. In compost or mulch, organic waste transforms into humus and releases mineral salts that will nourish your plants. And in an apartment? Yes, it is possible to reduce your waste in an apartment thanks to the technique of vermicomposting. This process involves using specific earthworms in a container divided into different levels, which will break down the materials. Without odors or flies, this technique is becoming increasingly popular and is attracting more and more followers. Source: I succeed with my compost and vermicompost - Ludovic Martin, Pascal Martin, Eric Prédine - Editions Terre Vivante.