Crunchy Christian Podcast

Crunchy Christian Podcast


How to Start Composting

May 22, 2020

Join Julie Polanco on this episode of Crunchy Christian Podcast as she shares how to start composting. Composting is a great way to recycle the way that God recycles!
How to start composting
What is compost? What are the types?
Compost is basically decomposed waste matter from animals or plants. It is a major component of soil and returns nutrients to the earth so that new life can grow. Insects, earthworms, microbes, and fungi all feed on compost. Through their activities, they fix nitrogen, produce vitamins, and make minerals available to plants, who in turn, provide things that these organisms need. We usually think of compost as animal compost from rabbits, chickens, or cows. But, there’s also worm compost (also known as vermicomposting) and vegetable compost.
Why you should try it over fertilizers
Briefly, fertilizers only feed the plant and only for one season. Fertilizers also tend to promote above ground growth while the roots remain shallow and underdeveloped. In contrast, compost offers long-term benefits for plants and the soil. It is cheap, anyone with a yard can do it, and by enriching the soil, compost insures healthy plants for years. Julie discusses additional reasons on the podcast.
Worm composting versus vegetable composting
If you need compost right away, worm composting is the way to go. But, make sure you have the right worms and the right equipment! On the podcast, Julie shares her story of what happens when you try to cut corners. Don’t do what she did. If you want to know how to start composting this year in preparation for next year’s garden, then vegetable composting is for you. Vegetable composting is easy! Let Julie tell you how easy it is.
When you start composting, what do you put in the bin?
On the podcast, Julie talks about the two types of vegetable matter you can add to your bin—browns and greens. Never add animal products to your bin, except eggshells! But, even though you only add vegetable waste, a few things should be excluded from your bin. Those include weeds, diseased plants, seeds, and tough flower stalks. You don’t want to contaminate your garden or have unwanted plants growing in your bin!

To get a handy printable to keep the browns and greens straight, click HERE. Once you’re in, click on the link for episode 4. Post it up on your corkboard or refrigerator to help you remember how to properly compost.

Listen to Crunchy Christian Podcast to get the scoop on how start composting.

And, don’t forget to hop on over to Julie Naturally and get your Healthy Habits Tracker!
Additional Resources

* Julie has a YouTube video on how to get started composting. You can even see her personal compost bin and kitchen compost collector!
* The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency web page Composting at Home (They also have a page about worm composting)
* Check out Uncle Jim’s Worm Farm Composting with Worms: Don’t Make These 5 Mistakes (Very useful. No affiliation)