Delve into the world of composting with a laid-back approach to making quick compost! In this blog, we’ll explore the art of lazy composting, making the composting process simple and effective for your garden. Forget complicated ratios and meticulous turning schedules – this is about the easy and efficient way to turn kitchen scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich compost.
The Lazy Composter’s Toolkit
First things first – you’ll need a composting bin or area. I prefer tumblers, but a large trash can with drainage holes or a dedicated corner of your yard can work wonders in making quick compost. Keep it simple, and choose a method that fits your gardening style.
The Composting Ratio Cheat Sheet
Forget the complex calculations! Lazy composting revolves around two categories: greens and browns. Greens include items like grass clippings, coffee grounds, and veggie scraps – all rich in nitrogen. Browns are materials like dead leaves, straw, paper products, and wood chips, providing carbon. Aim for a general 30:1 carbon to nitrogen ratio, but don’t stress about precision.
Lazy Math: Keeping It Simple to Make Quick Compost
Using an example of grass clippings (20:1) and dead leaves (60:1), I explain the straightforward math. The goal is to achieve that 30:1 ratio. Add two buckets of grass clippings and one bucket of leaves, and voila – a lazy yet effective compost mix.
The Lazy Gardener’s Brown Arsenal
If leaves are scarce, don’t worry. Utilize paper products, cardboard, and wood chips as brown materials. Shred them down for faster decomposition. Wood chips, with a high carbon ratio of 600:1, may require additional greens to balance the compost. Remember, it’s all about embracing the lazy method!
Lazy, Quick Composting in Action
Here’s where the magic happens; the secret to effortless composting. Fill your compost bin with a mix of greens and browns, spin or turn it occasionally, and watch the decomposition unfold. No need to obsess over turning frequency or moisture levels – just keep it simple.
The Sneaky Compost Disappearance Act
As your compost breaks down, be prepared for the disappearing act. Materials shrink to about a third of their original size. Don’t panic; it’s part of the process. This insight helps you understand how much compost you’ll end up with and adjust your composting volume accordingly.
Making Quick Compost Maintenance Tips
Maintaining compost is a breeze. Keep it moist but not sopping wet, and turn or spin the contents occasionally. If things get smelly, add more browns like wood chips to restore balance. Don’t overthink it – composting is about enjoying the process.
When Is It Ready?
Determining compost readiness doesn’t have to be complicated. If it looks crumbly and most materials have broken down, it’s good to go. Lay it in your beds, let it settle, and in a few weeks, your garden will thank you.
Embrace Making Quick Compost
Say goodbye to composting stress and embrace the lazy gardener’s method. Happy composting!
