As per my observation, all the hardcore gardeners like to perform DIY approaches in every gardening activity. Many of them even prepare compost on their own, which I also do. For me, there is another reason for preparing the compost apart from the favoring context of the DIY approach: self-prepared composts are eco-friendly.
So, if you favor DIY gardening approaches or practice eco-friendly gardening and you do not know the process, this article is for you. Here, I elaborate on 7 different types of composting methods for your convenience. Let’s learn those in detail.
Why Do Composting by Yourself
Besides your love for DIY and eco-friendly gardening approaches, several other reasons are associated with composting by yourself.
- Composting transforms kitchen and yard wastes into bio-degradable fertilizer, which also reduces the waste-related burden on the environment.
- As a gardener, you must agree that fertilizer is expensive. However, preparing and using self-made compost can save you considerable money.
- In the compost preparation, you become mentally and physically active, which triggers a higher degree of mental satisfaction.
- By being involved in composting, you promote sustainable gardening activities in the community.
- Composts are substantially suitable for soil health and plant growth.
7 Different Types of Composting Methods
The following are the methods along with the advantages and disadvantages.
Pile Composting
Pile composting, also known as traditional composting, is one of the best ways to transpose organic waste into nutrient-rich compost. In the process, you select a well-drained space in your garden and place coarse material to form a hard base.
On top of the prepared layer, you start to deposit kitchen wastes, grass clippings, rice husks, dried leaves, etc., on a daily basis. You also regularly turn the created layers of the organic materials to facilitate proper mixing.
Finally, you must keep the organic material deposition moist, so water as needed. In general, you can start using the compost after 2 weeks. Still, depending of the volume and decomposition rate it may take more time to be ready. As per my observation, sometimes it takes 3 months before using, depending on the used material type and size of the pile.
Pros
- Very easy process.
- Nearly zero cost involve.
- You can decide on the compost quantity based on the space availability.
Cons
- The composting process takes time.
- You need to put in physical effort.
Vermicomposting
Vermicomposting, also known as worm composting, is a popular composting method in which red worms are used to break down the chemical composition of the organic substances.
In its process, you have to arrange and place a bin in the shady area of your garden, ensuring zero sunny exposure. Then, you have to create a 3-4 inch high soil bed and introduce the red worms.
After that, start depositing food waste in the bin. As the quantity of food waste increases, you cast more and more red worms. On average, you have to cast 1 pound worm for 1 Sq. Ft. area of food waste disposition. The compost will be ready after a minimum of 3 weeks.
Pros
- Compost quality is very high.
- Space-saving composting method.
- Requires less effort.
Cons
- Continuous monitoring is needed.
- There is an initial cost associated.
Hot Composting
The hot composting method is the best one for getting the compost ready within the shortest possible time. Here, you follow the same process of pile composting but must form a more than 3 ft high pile whose width is also proportional to the height, i.e., 4 ft high and 4 ft wide.
This minimum pile size is required to retain the heat inside the organic waste disposition. So, after regularly depositing the organic materials, turning, and watering, you also need to do a regular temperature check.
The temperature must be consistent between 54°C to 71°C. If you find below 54°C on any particular day, introduce oxygen and remix the disposition to reach the appropriate temperature. Your compost will be ready within 1-3 months.
Pros
- Fast decomposition and fast compost generation.
- Getting rid of harmful pathogens and weed seeds permanently.
Cons
- Required moderate physical labor.
- Highly temperature sensitive.
Bokashi Composting
If you are looking for an indoor composting method, the bokashi composting method is the perfect one. This method also supports composting in zero or less ventilation areas. Unlike other composting techniques, the bonsai composting method does not require oxygen, but the decomposition happens through the use of a bokashi mix.
The bonsai mix contains rice husk, wheat burn, and beneficial microorganisms. In this composting process, you have to deposit the organic substances in a closed environment and introduce the solution of bokashi mix (1:100; bonsai mix and water ratio).
After fermentation, within 10-14 days, you take out the pile and bury it underground. Then, you start using the bokashi compost by removing it from the disposition as needed.
Pros
- Space-efficient composting process.
- Less odor’s circulation.
- The process is fast.
Cons
- Special arrangements are necessary: bokashi mix and closed container.
- You have to put effort into the post-fermentation process.
Windrow Composting
This composting method is for you if your garden is huge. In the process, you create rows with the organic wastes. In general, the height of the row ranges from 3-7 ft and 8-24 ft, depending on space availability and compost quantity requirements.
You must also turn the organic material deposition regularly to ensure every portion has a balanced proportion of nutrients.
However, if the disposition’s size is very big, you won’t be able to turn by manual labor; you have to use specialized windrow turner machines.
Pros
- Large volume of compost production at a time.
- Good-quality compost.
Cons
- Large space requirement.
- A greater amount of labor is required.
- Generated error is a critical problem.
Tumbler Composting
To use this composting method, you have to arrange a specialized tumbler or rotating container. Then, place the tumbler in a partially sunny location that remains warm consistently.
Start pouring organic substances into the tumbler regularly and add water to moisten the deposition. Rorate the deposition every few days to ensure a perfect mix and effective decomposition.
You must undergo these processes for at least 3 weeks to get high-quality compost.
Pros
- You need to put in less effort as a rotating mechanism will do the turning.
- Highly suitable for urban and suburban areas as the space requirement and odor circulation are less.
Cons
- Costs associated.
- The compost production capacity is limited.
- You need to put efforts in regular monitoring.
Sheet Composting
Well, if you do not like to go through the separate composting process, there is a direct solution. In the sheet composting method, you directly do the composting on the soil beds in your garden.
In its process, you have to select the soil beds and make those free from dirt, debris, stone chips, weeds, etc. Then, you have to create a thick layer of newspaper on the soil bed. On top of this layer, you start to create more layers of organic materials.
I suggest you go for a 2-3 inch thick layer of organic materials. Finally, after the decomposition, you start planting the fruits, flowers, and veggies as you desire.
Pros
- It eliminates the need for separate arrangements for composting.
- No additional space is required.
- Easy and low maintenance.
Cons
- The soil bed’s visual appeal deteriorates if no cover is placed.
- Limited control over the decomposition process.
End Notes
I hope that this guide on DIY composting methods will encourage you to go for eco-friendly gardening, which is critically essential to retaining environmental sustainability.
Also, the listed 7 different types of compost preparation process will allow you to select the best one considering space availability, the time you can invest, your budget, etc.
Finally, I want to inform you of one more crucial thing about maintaining organic materials proportions while composting. You should maintain a 1:3 ratio between the green and brown organic materials.
