In this 2019 Gardening Trend, the composting movement is about making soil, not waste. According to the EPA, food is the largest waste in our landfills. Composting is an efficient way to reduce your carbon footprint and create nutrient-rich soil for healthy, happy plants!
The Benefits of Composting
Did you know landfills are the 3rd largest source of greenhouse gas methane? 1/3 of all food is wasted globally each year and each American contributes around 1,600 pounds of waste annually. You can reduce 40% of your household waste with a sustainable solution like composting.
Composting trends as the “new recycling”. It supports the earth by reducing waste and creating healthy food to enrich soils and grow vibrant plants. Composting helps break down organic matter to create nutrient-rich material ensuring your soil retains moisture longer.
Composting 101
Your compost pile should contain a balanced mixture of organic materials. Try to alternate layers of different sizes of green and brown materials. This will help the process to properly break down the matter.
Brown materials are things like dead leaves, twigs, and branches. Green materials are grass clippings, vegetable waste, fruit scraps, and coffee grounds. Finally, adding the right amount of water to keep it damp will help the compost development.
What to Compost and What to Avoid
Check out this helpful list of items that you can and shouldn’t use for composting. Save this, print it out, and keep it someplace you can reference easily.
How to Compost
First, to compost effectively and efficiently, it is good to have a proper composting bin. At your local Calloway’s and Cornelius, you can pick up your Miracle-Gro® Tumbling Composter. Build to last, this composter is designed with an extra-strength, all season resin base and UV inhibitors. It accelerates decomposition with its over-sized, tumbling chamber. Plus, it’s easy to assemble, load, and unload.
First, select a dry, shady or covered spot for your bin. Add your brown and green materials as they are collected. Try to chop or shred any large pieces. When the material is dark and rich in color, your compost is ready!
Stop by our store nearest you to pick up your composting supplies today. Questions? Ask one of our Texas Certified Nursery Professionals available at all of our store locations.
Happy Composting!
