Compost, which enhances soil fertility by breaking down and recycling organic waste, is beneficial in many ways. Easily prepared by anyone, compost allows for high soil yield and energy savings.
There are two different methods for making compost at home. The first method requires a large container or pot, a shovel, and waste materials. The pot is placed in the designated compost area. The waste is added in layers, alternating between brown, green, and brown again, until it is complete.
Each layer should not exceed 10 cm. The layers are arranged in equal amounts. Each layer is mixed with the soil to aid fermentation.
A container with holes at the bottom helps the soil breathe and ensures the process occurs correctly. It is recommended to mix and aerate the soil once a week.
The materials should always remain moist. If the compost dries out, it should be watered to regain moisture. The composting process can take several weeks depending on the amount and conditions. Once the layers are thoroughly mixed, it is dried, sifted, and ready to be used as fertilizer.
The second method involves using a home compost machine. Compost machines are categorized into home and industrial types. A home compost machine, which can be used practically in small spaces, helps the soil quickly turn into compost.
These machines, which prevent odors, take up very little space. Organic waste is added, and the lid is closed after making the necessary adjustments with a few buttons. In a short time, nutrient-rich compost is produced.
The Octoen brand offers specially developed models for composting. Octoen's home compost machine prices cater to every budget with a wide range of options.
What Should You Pay Attention to When Making Compost at Home?
There are several important factors to consider during the composting process, which is extremely beneficial. These factors are as follows:
- Moisture Level
- Aeration
- pH Level
- Carbon/Nitrogen Ratio
- Temperature
- Particle Size
Moisture level is crucial in the composting process. The average moisture content for the formation of microorganisms that break down the pieces is determined to be 60%. The types of materials used in the compost can change the moisture content.
The soil needs to be aerated to interact with oxygen. A home compost machine with special aeration can be used to facilitate this interaction.
The quality of the compost is determined by the soil's pH value. A pH value between 6 and 7.8 is considered ideal. The carbon/nitrogen ratio determines the pH level. The optimal carbon/nitrogen ratio is 30/1, which activates the organisms.
Low temperature slows down the decomposition process. Providing the correct temperature conditions ensures a fast and effective composting process. Particle size can affect both the decomposition rate and time. Smaller pieces of waste decompose more easily and allow the soil to breathe.
What Materials Can Be Used for Home Composting?
It is important to use organic household waste for composting at home. Household waste and organic waste are often confused.
Not all household waste is organic. Processed and chemical-containing waste should not be used in compost. Using such waste can cause many health problems.
Materials that can be used for home composting include:
- Vegetable and fruit peels
- Food scraps
- Green leaves
- Tea waste
- Wood ash
- Cotton
- Dry leaves
- Fruit pulp
- Coffee filters and grounds
- Eggshells
- Bread
- Branches
- Leaves
- Tree bark
- Nut shells
- Wood shavings
- Cotton
- Paper towels
- Magazines
- Newspapers
- Animal hair
- Hair
- Nails
- Barley
- Rye straw
What Materials Should Be Avoided in Composting?
Organic materials of natural origin are preferred in home composting. It is advised not to use biologically derived, infected, inorganic, acid and base-containing, cyanide-containing waste; chemically derived waste and oil waste.
The main materials to avoid in composting are:
- Coal ash
- Wood ash
- Milk and dairy products
- Black walnut tree
- Bones
- Shellfish
- Fabrics
- Types of oil
- Insect-infested plants
- Diseased plants
- Fish bones
- Meat scraps
- Animal feces
- Cleaning supplies
- Plastic
- Glass
- Metal
- Weedy plants with seeds
- Rotten leaves
- Citrus
- Medical waste
- Newspaper
- Magazine
- Aluminum
- Processed paper
What Are the Benefits of Home Composting?
Compost, formed by the breakdown of organic waste, simplifies life with its numerous benefits. Compost, which benefits the world, nature, the environment, and living beings, can be prepared and used practically.
The benefits of home composting include:
- Reduces the amount of organic waste
- Retains moisture in the soil
- Helps the soil breathe
- Prevents environmental and natural pollution
- Prevents exposure to chemicals
- Improves soil structure
- Nourishes plants
- Balances soil pH levels
- Neutralizes toxins in the soil
- Strengthens plants
Compost, which results from the recycling of organic waste that harms the environment when disposed of or incinerated, keeps the soil moist, especially during dry periods, and prevents erosion.
Compost, which forms a layer on the soil and helps it clump together, assists plants in breathing and accelerates their growth. These substances, which provide the pH value necessary for plant growth, neutralize toxins in the soil that harm plants. With its rich content, it nourishes and strengthens plants, enabling faster growth.
Transforming materials that could disrupt the balance of nature into a productive form for plant cultivation reduces the risk of exposure to chemicals, thereby protecting health. Making compost at home allows the plants in your garden to grow healthier.
What Is the Purpose of Home Composting?
Compost made in places like homes and offices, where waste generation is minimal, is most commonly used as fertilizer. These substances, used in gardens, pots, or small greenhouses, help plants grow healthily without exposure to heavy chemicals.
Heavy chemicals can cause significant problems not only for plants but also for humans. Many ailments can occur through contact or consumption of plants used as food. Home composting is often preferred for a healthy life.
In addition to its function as fertilizer, home compost can also be used as an energy source. Compost is an ideal material for mandatory uses such as fuel and electricity, and its recyclable and sustainable nature makes it environmentally friendly.
Home compost can be made using traditional or modern methods. Although traditional methods require significant time and energy, they are preferred by those who enjoy spending time with plants.
Those who want to compost quickly and effortlessly use home compost machines. Home compost machines can be used in very small spaces. These machines, which operate quietly and odorlessly, allow for practical composting.
The price of home compost machines varies depending on the model, material, and features.
Home compost machines developed and produced by Octoen, which include countless models, are popular with their options for every budget. You can quickly compost to reduce the amount of organic waste and obtain fertile soil.
For more information on composting, you can read our article titled “What Is Compost?”.