Composting is increasingly becoming part of the practice of anyone interested in sustainable cultivation and gardening. It is the process of speeding up the natural decay and recycling of organic matter, like leaves and food scraps, into fertile nutrient-rich soil, by providing an ideal environment for bacteria, fungi and other decomposing microorganisms to do their work.
There is a number of benefits to composting:
- Enriches soil, helping retain moisture and suppress plant diseases and pests.
- Reduces the need for chemical fertilizers.
- Encourages the production of beneficial bacteria and fungi that break down organic matter to create humus, a rich nutrient-filled material.
- Reduces methane emissions from landfills and lowers your carbon footprint.
- Conserves water
- Reduces Personal Food Waste 1
Composting for beginners
Contrary to some misconceptions composting does not have to be complicated or messy. It can be easy and fun if you do it the right way. Watching your garden thrive as a result will offer you a feeling of great satisfaction! There is both indoor and outdoor composting, so that you can use whichever style suits your living environment. If you live in an apartment, you can use a special type of bin to compost indoors. When you manage it properly you can avoid bad smells that could attract rodents and pests.
There are four main ingredients for successful composting:
- Browns – Materials such as dead leaves, branches and twigs which are carbon-rich.
- Greens – Materials such as grass clippings, vegetable waste, fruit scraps and coffee grounds which are nitrogen-rich.
- Oxygen – Encourages an aerobic environment, which helps to speed up the composting process and reduce odors.
- Water – Provides moisture to help break down organic matter.
Water quality and quantity is very important for good composting. The moisture content of your mixture should be maintained around 40-60% by weight. At lower moisture levels, microbial activity is limited and the composting process could slow down. At higher moisture levels the process could become anaerobic, causing bad odors.
Kangen Water® is perfect for your compost. Unlike tap or bottle water it is free from traces of chlorine and other contaminants. Using the Enagic® Water technology you can also choose the right type of water depending on the needs of your mixture.
To know which water to use for your compost, you should first test the pH of your soil. The ideal soil pH is slightly acidic, about 6.0-7.0. If you find that your soil is already too acidic, you should use Kangen Water® to create a healthier balance. If your soil is too alkaline, try Slightly Acidic Water in your compost. Finally, you can use clean Neutral Water in your compost pile if your soil is already balanced perfectly.
Watering your plants and flowers with the right type of Kangen® Water and nourishing them with Kangen compost will provide the perfect conditions for them to thrive!
What to Compost
Fruits and veggies, eggshells, coffee grounds and filters, tea bags, nut shells, shredded newspapers, cardboard, paper, grass clippings, houseplants, hay and straw, leaves, sawdust, wood chips, cotton and wool rags, hair and fur, fireplace ashes.
What Not to Compost
- Black walnut tree leaves or twigs
– Releases substances that might be harmful to plants - Coal or charcoal ash
– Might contain substances harmful to plants - Dairy products (e.g., butter, milk, sour cream, yogurt) and eggs*
– Create odor problems and attract pests such as rodents and flies - Diseased or insect-ridden plants
– Diseases or insects might survive and be transferred back to other plants - Fats, grease, lard, or oils*
– Create odor problems and attract pests such as rodents and flies - Meat or fish bones and scraps*
– Create odor problems and attract pests such as rodents and flies - Pet wastes (e.g., dog or cat feces, soiled cat litter)*
– Might contain parasites, bacteria, germs, pathogens, and viruses harmful to humans - Yard trimmings treated with chemical pesticides
– Might kill beneficial composting organisms
* Check with your local composting or recycling coordinator to see if these organics are accepted by your community curbside or drop-off composting program. 2
Vermicomposting
Vermicomposting uses worms to compost and is a practical solution when your space is limited. It can be done year-round in a basement or garage and it is an excellent way to dispose of kitchen wastes. When these worms eat your food scraps, they release castings, which are rich in nitrogen. You can’t use just any old worms for this, however: You need redworms (also called “red wigglers”). Worms for composting can be purchased inexpensively online or at a garden supplier.
Shredded newspaper works well as bedding. Add red wiggle worms, garden soil, food scraps and your chosen type of Enagic® Water (Slightly Acidic Water, Neutral Water, or Kangen Water®) and you’re set to go. Although vermicomposting is slower than outdoor composting (it takes 4-6 months instead of 3-4 weeks respectively), it is a great way to create nutrient-dense fertilizer for your plants and flowers when space is an issue. You can study the process in more detail here
Ways to use your Kangen Compost
Compost is an excellent source of organic matter to add to your garden or potted plants. It helps improve soil structure which contributes to good aeration and moisture-holding capacity. Compost is also a source of plant nutrients.
You can use your Kangen Compost in the following ways:
- Use it as mulch
- Add it to potting soil
- Work it into crop beds
- Distribute it on lawns
- Mix it into garden beds
- Feed it to potted plants
- Add it to soil around fruit trees