Ahhh the sweet smell of compost in the morning.
The composting process produces so many amazing benefits! From reducing landfill waste and methane emissions to creating a nutritious fertilizer, it's hard to find a reason not to join in the fun. No matter where you live, you have the ability to help the environment in a significant way when you collect your food and garden waste. If you're looking for a sign to dive into this process, this is it!
What can I compost?
- Fruit and vegetable scraps, eggshells, coffee grounds and tea bags, grains like bread and pasta, plant/floral waste, and even paper towels!
- A good rule of thumb for composting is; if it rots, it's in the right spot!
Is there anything I can't compost?
- Recyclable materials like plastic and glass as well as styrofoam and ceramic are a no-go for your compost bin.
Tips for composting to supplement your own garden:
- Repurpose your decaying leaves and grass clippings to diversify your mixture.
- At the same time, try to keep a good balance between food and garden waste!
- The best time to add the compost is just before or just after planting, but food waste can still reap rewards when it's applied well into the garden season.
- A common myth that discourages people is that you have to turn your compost regularly. Don't fall into this trap; a "turn" with a shovel every few weeks is sufficient to turn your food waste into nutritious fertilizer.
How to compost without a garden:
- Gallins Family Farm offers residential and commercial composting services for the Winston-Salem area. Simply collect your food waste and Gallins Family Farm will turn it into beautiful and nutritious compost. Click here to learn more about Gallins' composting program.
- Build a compost pile in your backyard or purchase a compost turner and donate the fertilizer to a friend.