Composting Methods for Home Gardeners
Open pile composting is a straightforward method that involves creating a loose mound of organic materials in a designated area of the backyard. Gardeners mix kitchen scraps, grass clippings, leaves, and garden debris in this pile, adding water as needed to maintain moisture. The decomposition process occurs with the help of microorganisms and, occasionally, small soil-dwelling insects. Turning the pile every few weeks with a pitchfork helps aerate the contents and speeds up the breakdown process. Open pile composting appeals to gardeners with larger spaces, as it does not require any containment structure. However, it can sometimes attract pests if not carefully managed and may take several months to produce finished compost, depending on factors such as particle size, carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, and frequency of turning.
Traditional Backyard Composting
Vermicomposting
Worm Bin Setup
Setting up a worm bin for vermicomposting involves choosing a suitable container, such as a plastic storage bin or a commercially available worm composter, and adding bedding material like shredded newspaper or coconut coir. Earthworms, most commonly red wigglers, are introduced into the bin along with small amounts of kitchen waste. The bedding and organic matter provide nourishment and habitat for the worms, which thrive in a moist environment. Worm bins can be kept indoors in a utility room, garage, or basement, making them highly convenient for people with limited outdoor space or harsh winters. Regular care involves adding food scraps, checking moisture levels, and harvesting the finished worm castings every few months.
Bokashi Composting
The Bokashi process begins by collecting food waste—everything from vegetable peels to meat and dairy products—and adding it to a Bokashi bucket. Each layer of waste is sprinkled with Bokashi bran, which contains effective microorganisms (EM) that initiate fermentation. The bucket’s airtight seal prevents air from entering, which is essential for the anaerobic fermentation process. Over a period of about two weeks, the microbes break down the food scraps into a pre-compost, producing minimal odor and a small amount of liquid that can be drained and diluted as fertilizer. After fermentation, the pickled contents are buried in soil or added to a traditional compost heap for further decomposition.
