It’s easy to get confused! The stuff you put in your compost heap eventually turns into something that closely resembles good earthy soil. But is it? Granted, it certainly looks very similar. But there are some essential things to understand about the transformation process that we call “decomposition” and the end product called “compost.” And…
If you’ve watched your compost develop, you’ll know that the garden wastes and food scraps you tossed in look very different as time goes by. But how do you know when the transformation is complete? You might have heard that the ultimate form is “black gold.” But what the heck does finished compost look like…
People who compost look at household waste differently from other people! Composters are constantly wondering if a waste product can be composted or if it should be discarded in the trash. Parchment paper is a kitchen waste product that falls into this category. After all, it comes from trees like other types of paper… Right?…
I’ve heard experienced gardeners say that compost and topsoil are just the same things! I think that statement sums up the level of confusion about these two substances. After all, they look pretty similar. And you grow plants in both of them… Right? So what’s the big deal? Suppose you’re serious about growing healthy, disease-free…
White Worms in Compost (Is this Good or Bad?) Finding white worms in compost can be a startling discovery. Quite often, they appear in large groups. It almost looks like your compost is infested! But are these wiggly creatures something to worry about? Or just a normal part of the composting process? It’s certainly not…
Roses are among the most beautiful garden flowers and one of the most frequent plants that gardeners have difficulty growing successfully. Rose flowers may be attractive and enhance your garden’s beauty, but it costs the plant resources to produce the flowers. Adding the right compost to your roses can facilitate good blooms, but your roses…
If you’re new to the composting game, you’ve likely been warned you shouldn’t compost meat. The problem is, you’re more carnivore than herbivore, so a decent amount of your kitchen scraps come from animals, not plants. But it seems a shame to throw away those tough pieces of steak and not recycle them. Meat is…
Hot and cold compost are opposites in more than name. Actually, these composting methods are opposites in almost all ways. So what do they have in common? They both make compost! Plus, they both have upsides and downsides. I’ll break down the perks and pitfalls of these very different methods to help you decide whether…
Cold composting’s claim to fame is that it’s the most straightforward method for transforming organic waste into compost. This method doesn’t need much prep work, a watchful eye, or regular turning, making it a top pick for beginners. Its perks are clear, but are there downsides to cold composting? I’ll answer all your questions about…
Compost tumblers are a relatively new method for turning your kitchen and garden waste into top-quality compost. One of the benefits claimed by manufacturers to help market tumblers is how quickly they produce compost compared to other methods. But is this true, or is it just a sales pitch? After all… These systems can be…