Why Composting is Essential for Organic Gardening.
Composting is the backbone of organic gardening because it transforms everyday waste into nutrient-rich fertilizer for your plants. Instead of relying on chemical fertilizers that may harm the environment, compost improves soil health naturally. It boosts fertility, improves water retention, and encourages beneficial microbes that keep your garden thriving. Simply put—without compost, organic gardening is incomplete.
What Kitchen Scraps Can and Cannot Be Composted
Not everything from your kitchen belongs in the compost pile. Knowing what to include helps you create healthy compost and avoid unpleasant odors or pests.
✅ Scraps You Can Compost:
- Fruit and vegetable peels
- Coffee grounds and filters
- Tea leaves and tea bags (without plastic)
- Crushed eggshells
- Stale bread, rice, or pasta (in small amounts)
- Nut shells (except walnuts)
❌ Scraps You Should Avoid:
- Meat, fish, or bones (attracts pests)
- Dairy products (milk, cheese, butter)
- Oily or greasy foods
- Pet waste
- Diseased plants
DIY Composting Methods (Pit, Bin, or Bucket)
You need expensive equipment to start composting. Here are three simple methods:
- Pit Method – Dig a small pit in your backyard, add kitchen waste, cover with soil, and let it decompose naturally. Perfect for gardeners with space.
- Bin Method – Use a compost bin (wooden, plastic, or recycled container) to layer green waste (scraps) with brown waste (leaves, paper, sawdust). Great for medium spaces.
- Bucket Method – Ideal for balconies or apartments. A sealed bucket with holes at the bottom can turn food scraps into compost for container gardens.
If you want quick results, follow these tips:
- Chop kitchen waste into small pieces before adding.
- Maintain a balance of greens (wet scraps like fruit/vegetables) and browns (dry matter like paper/leaves).
- Keep the pile moist but not soggy.
- Turn or stir the compost regularly to add oxygen.
- Add a little soil or finished compost to introduce microbes.
By recycling your kitchen scraps into compost, you save money, reduce waste, and grow fresh, chemical-free vegetables that are healthy for your family and the environment.