It’s very fashionable and you’ve probably heard about it quite regularly lately: the composting is a natural process of breaking down organic waste into a nutrient-rich amendment called “compost.” This is an environmentally friendly practice that significantly reduces the amount of waste produced by each household, while providing a free, natural source of fertilizer for your plants. We’ll explain how it works, and especially how to choose the right composter for your apartment!
Why start composting?
There are several reasons why it is beneficial to start composting:
- Waste reduction: Around 30% of household waste is made up of organic matter that can be transformed into compost. By composting, you actively contribute to reducing waste sent to landfill or incineration sites.
- Natural fertilizer: The final product obtained after being processed (“compost”) is rich in essential nutrients for plant growth. So you can use it as a natural fertilizer without using chemicals.
- Improvement of soil quality: Compost improves soil structure and fertility, thereby promoting better plant growth and yield in vegetable gardens.
- Savings: By using compost as fertilizer, you reduce your expenses related to the purchase of fertilizer and potting soil.
Composting: how does it actually work?
Composting is done in several stages. First of all, organic matter must be collected in a specific container called a composter. The latter can be installed at home, whether in a garden or even on a balcony for those who live in an apartment.
Once the organic materials are placed in the composter, they will begin to decompose thanks to the action of microorganisms naturally present in the soil. These micro-organisms will transform the waste into humus, a substance rich in nutrients beneficial to the earth.
To obtain good compost, it is important to respect certain rules. It is necessary to balance the quantity of carbonaceous materials (such as dead leaves) and nitrogenous materials (such as food scraps). It is also recommended to regularly stir the contents of the composter in order to aerate it and encourage decomposition. The time required to obtain compost generally varies between a few months and a year depending on different factors such as ambient temperature or humidity.
Once the compost is ready, it can be used as an amendment to enrich the soil in gardens or potted plants. There are different types of composters adapted to everyone’s needs and constraints. For apartments, it is recommended to opt for a small composter that can be placed on a balcony or in a kitchen. These composters are often equipped with a ventilation system to avoid bad odors. It is also possible to use worm composters, which work using specific earthworms capable of quickly decomposing organic matter. These worms live in a special bin and feed on the waste you add to it.
How to choose a composter suitable for your home?
To practice composting at home, it is important to choose a composter adapted to your home and your lifestyle. Here are some criteria to take into account to make the right choice:
- Housing type : Depending on whether you live in an apartment or a house with a garden, the options available will vary. For apartments, choose small indoor models or worm composters (which use worms to quickly decompose waste). For homes with gardens, opt for larger outdoor models that can contain more organic waste.
- Fireplace size: The size of the composter should be proportional to the number of inhabitants in your household. The more of you there are and the more organic waste you produce, the larger the volume of the composter will need to be.
- Available space : Make sure you have enough space in your home to install the chosen composter. Indoor models should be able to be placed in a cool location out of direct sunlight, while outdoor models require a clear, accessible location.
- Ease of use : Opt for a composter that is easy to use and maintain. Some models are equipped with systems that facilitate the mixing of compost or the recovery of compost juice (liquid rich in nutrients that can also be used as fertilizer).
Where to buy a composter?
There are several options for obtaining a composter:
- Specialized stores: Gardening stores, ecological brands or online stores generally offer a wide range of composters adapted to different needs.
- Homemade: If you are DIY, you can make your own composter from recycled materials such as wooden pallets, buckets or plastic containers. Many tutorials are available on the internet to guide you in this process.
- Local aid: Some local authorities provide composters free of charge or at a reduced price to encourage their residents to practice composting. Check with your town hall or local authority to find out what systems exist in your region.
Home composting is an ecological practice that benefits the environment and your garden. By choosing a composter adapted to your home and lifestyle, you actively contribute to reducing the quantity of waste produced by your household while improving the quality of the soil thanks to the precious natural fertilizer that is compost. We can therefore only advise you to choose a composter using our little guide and to go ahead and implement this eco-responsible approach at home!
