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Lettuce Grow Something

Turn Waste into Garden Gold: Composting Tips Inside!

Published over 2 years agoΒ β€’Β 2 min read

Hi Garden Friend,

I hope this email finds you well and thriving. As the days get warmer and the garden blooms, I wanted to share some thoughts on a topic close to my heart: composting. It's amazing how kitchen scraps and yard waste can transform into nutrient-rich soil, feeding our plants and reducing waste.

Whether you're a seasoned composter or just getting started, there's always something new to learn and love about this eco-friendly practice. Let's dig in and discover the magic of turning waste into gold!

Quick links about composting if you are in a rush πŸ˜‰

Why Compost?

Composting offers a ton of benefits for both you and the environment. Here are just a few:

  • Reduces landfill waste: A large portion of landfill waste comes from food scraps. Composting diverts this waste from landfills, where it decomposes and releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
  • Creates nutrient-rich soil: Compost is packed with essential nutrients that plants need to thrive. Amending your soil with compost helps retain moisture, improves drainage, and feeds beneficial soil microbes.
  • Promotes a healthy ecosystem: A healthy compost pile is teeming with beneficial organisms like worms, bacteria, and fungi. These organisms break down organic matter and create a nutrient-rich environment that promotes healthy plant growth.

Getting Started with Composting

Composting is easier than you might think! Here's a basic rundown to get you started:

  1. Set Up Your Bin: You can purchase a compost bin or build your own using wood, wire mesh, or even recycled plastic bins. The key is to ensure proper aeration, so ventilation holes are important. I recommend open bottom bins that actually touch the ground vs. the tumblers.
  2. Know What to Add: Compost thrives on a balance of "greens" (nitrogen-rich materials) and "browns" (carbon-rich materials). Kitchen scraps like fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and eggshells are excellent greens. For browns, you can add yard trimmings, shredded leaves, and cardboard. Grab my FREE compost chart HERE​
  3. Maintain the Balance: Aim for a ratio of 2-3 parts browns to 1 part greens. You can also add a bulking agent like wood chips or straw to improve aeration.
  4. Let it decompose: Mix your compost pile regularly to ensure proper aeration and decomposition. Depending on your climate and the size of your pile, it can take anywhere from a few months to a year for your compost to mature.

Ready to Start Composting?

I've included some helpful resources below to get you started on your composting journey:

Missed Last Weeks Newsletter? What to Grow in the June Garden​

Happy Composting!

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Happy composting!

Crystal Jarvis

​www.lettucegrowsomething.com​

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Lettuce Grow Something

by Crystal Jarvis

Lettuce help you grow your vegetable garden to it's full potential. Through garden education, garden coaching and raised bed garden design we help you have a successful garden growing what you love!

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