For a few years now, we had a compost bin that was setup in order to reduce our day to day waste. Finally putting it to use, we are now using the compost obtained to grow our own Fruits & Veggies.
We are even giving a second life to plastic containers by making pots out of them, the extra part of the containers are then kept until we can find something else to do with it. Re-using of these single use plastics can keep them out of the landfills or oceans, easy enough that anyone can start doing the same!
What was added to the compost bin :
Vegetable peelings, fruit waste, teabags, plant pruning, grass cuttings, fallen leaves, scrap paper, card boards etc
What we have planted :
Tomatoes, Eggplant, Chili, Bell Peppers, Lettuce, Cabbage, Onions, Carrot, Potatoes, Garlic, Coriander, String beans & Basil.
Here are some of the benefits of planting your own food :
Improve your health - Consuming more fresh fruits and vegetables is one of the most important things you can do to stay healthy. When you pick vegetables right from your garden, the vitamin content will be at its highest. Also, you are reducing the risk of eating vegetables that contain harmful chemicals–you know exactly what you're eating.
Save money on groceries. One of the benefits of enjoying garden vegetables is a reduced monthly food bill. You can grow organic vegetables for a fraction of the cost in the stores.
Gardening is a natural stress reliever. Being outside in the fresh air and sunshine can improve mood and make you feel rejuvenated and overall happy. Growing your own produce also gives you a great sense of accomplishment!
Tending a vegetable patch is actually pretty good exercise! Growing your own vegetables takes quite a bit of effort – think of all the weeding and digging you have to do! It´s a good way of getting a free workout though, not to mention being rewarded for your efforts by lots of tasty fruits and veggies.
Now some benefits of making your own compost to grow these plants :
Enriches soil, helping retain moisture and suppress plant diseases and pests.
Reduces the need for chemical fertilizers
Encourages the production of beneficial bacteria and fungi that break down organic matter to create humus, a rich nutrient-filled material.
Reduces methane emissions from landfills and lowers your carbon footprint
How to Compost at Home
There are many different ways to make a compost pile; here is how we've made and maintained ours. Regular mixing or turning of the compost and some water is recommended to help maintain the compost.
Backyard Composting
Select a dry, shady spot near a water source for your compost pile or bin.
Vegetable peelings, fruit waste, teabags, plant pruning, grass cuttings, fallen leaves, scrap paper, card boards etc
Moisten dry materials as they are added.
Once your compost pile is established, mix grass clippings and leaves into the pile and bury fruit and vegetable waste under the compost material
Optional: Cover top of compost with a tarp to keep it moist. When the material at the bottom is dark and rich in color, your compost is ready to use. This usually takes anywhere between two months to two years.
Indoor Composting
If you do not have space for an outdoor compost pile, you can compost materials indoors using a special type of bin that can built at home. We have not tried this method but here is a guide that might be of use to you "https://www.bhg.com/gardening/yard/compost/diy-indoor-compost-bin/"
Here are some pictures of the garden we've been working on :
Interested in starting your own at home? Let us know and we can give you step by step tips to help.