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In our new pandemic-conscious world, gardening has become a go-to hobby for many, resulting in widespread seed shortages. Since plants also require nutrient-dense soil to thrive, you might be curious about transforming your food scraps into compost. Why spend money on compost when you can make it yourself at virtually no cost?
Composting in an apartment can be trickier, but it's still possible without becoming the odd neighbor or causing tension with your significant other.
Interested in apartment composting? Here are some practical tips to get you started.
Composting in a plastic tub is an efficient and simple way to manage organic waste in small spaces, making it ideal for apartments.
Composting in an apartment is possible using a large plastic tub, similar to those used for storing children's toys, and can be done with the assistance of worms. Though worms may not be everyone’s preference, they are incredibly effective in converting food scraps into rich compost, providing an eco-friendly way to recycle waste.
To begin composting, you’ll need to drill holes in both the top and bottom of your plastic tub to ensure proper airflow and drainage. This method won’t produce any unpleasant smells, but it's a good idea to place your tub in a tucked-away spot like under the sink or next to your trash bins.
Next, you’ll need to acquire composting worms. You can order them online, or if they’re unavailable, try reaching out to local garden shops to see if they have any or can help you find some.
Once you have your bin and worms, the next step is to create a comfortable environment for them. Start by laying down a layer of soil mixed with newspaper strips, and then moisten the mixture with water.
Once you've set up a cozy space for your worms, you can kick off your composting journey. Composting involves alternating between food scraps rich in carbon and nitrogen. Nitrogen-rich items include vegetable scraps, grains, most fruits (except citrus), tea bags, coffee grounds, and grass clippings. Carbon-rich materials are dead leaves, cardboard, egg shells, paper towels, newspaper, and pet fur. Make sure to steer clear of meat, oils, dairy, citrus, broccoli, and onions as they take too long to decompose or attract unwanted pests, like fruit flies, especially in apartment settings.
To achieve the best compost, layer your scraps carefully. If you have too much nitrogen, your compost could develop an unpleasant smell, while an excess of carbon will slow down the decomposition process.
Add your scraps in small amounts every two to three weeks, burying them as you go. If you store them in the freezer beforehand, they will stay fresh until you're ready to compost them.
In about 3-5 months, it's time to harvest your compost bin. If you wait too long, the worms won't be as happy. Harvesting involves emptying the bin and separating the worms before restarting the process.
Composting without worms
If you'd rather avoid dealing with worms, there are other alternatives you can consider.
For those with a sunny balcony or outdoor space, you can apply a similar composting technique by layering carbon and nitrogen-rich scraps in a small tub. Instead of worms breaking down the materials, you can rely on the sun to do the job. It's essential to add soil to the mix, and remember to regularly aerate and water the compost.
Another option (though on the pricier side) is an electric kitchen composter. About the size of a bread machine, it can dry and grind food waste into fertilizer, typically within hours. This processed material can then be used to nourish your garden.
If you're looking for additional resources, the organization Urban Harvest, known for promoting community gardening and farmers markets in Houston, is hosting a free webinar on small-scale composting.
