How to compost in small spaces: Urban gardening tips
What's the story
With urban gardening becoming a trend, quick composting has also become a necessity.
For city dwellers, who have hardly any space, quick composting can be a game-changer.
From turning kitchen scraps into nutrient-rich soil, urban plant enthusiasts can make their gardens thrive without much hassle.
Here, we take a look at practical hacks to accelerate the composting process, even in tiny apartments/balconies.
Chop and shred
Use smaller scraps
Breaking down kitchen scraps into smaller pieces helps accelerate decomposition.
When you chop or shred organic material, you increase the surface area exposed to microorganisms that help break down waste.
This simple step can help reduce composting time by a lot and make the process easier for urban gardeners.
Layer technique
Layer your compost pile
Creating layers of green and brown materials also helps maintain a balanced carbon-to-nitrogen ratio essential for fast decomposition.
Green materials include fruit peels and vegetable scraps, while brown ones consist of dried leaves or shredded paper.
Alternating these layers ensures proper aeration and moisture levels within your compost pile.
Moisture balance
Maintain moisture levels
Keeping your compost pile moist (but not soggy!) is key to quick decomposition.
A dry pile slows down microbial activity, while an overly wet one can lead to unpleasant odors.
Regularly check moisture levels by squeezing a handful of compost; it should feel like a damp sponge.
Aeration boost
Turn your compost regularly
Turning your compost pile every few days is key to bringing in oxygen that aerobic bacteria require to thrive.
These bacteria are essential to breaking down organic matter quickly.
By regularly aerating your compost, you also prevent the pile from compaction, which can slow the process down.
This is especially useful in the city, where space comes at a premium, ensuring a quicker decomposition cycle.
Activator addition
Add natural activators
Incorporating natural activators such as coffee grounds or crushed shells can significantly boost microbial activity in your compost pile.
These materials offer additional nutrients that aid microorganisms in breaking down organic matter efficiently.
Using such activators is an easy way to make your homemade compost even better without any extra costs.