Food waste into garden gold: Essential composting tips for greener gardens

Composting is a sustainable and rewarding practice that not only reduces waste but also enriches your garden's soil. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting, mastering the art of composting can make a significant difference in your gardening journey. We spoke to Compostable Kate for her top tips and a masterclass on turning kitchen scraps into nutrient-rich soil gold.

TIP 1: Correct Ingredients for Compost Creation

Compost is the soil-like materials that are created when plant and vegetable matter break down. The key to successful composting lies in balancing four main ingredients:

1. Nitrogen rich materials, ‘greens’: The juicy green ingredients that supply your pile with nitrogen that feeds microorganisms and helps them break down carbon. While nitrogen is commonly linked to the vibrant green colour of plants, it's essential to note that nitrogen-rich materials can come in various colours and may not necessarily always be green.

2. Carbon rich materials, ‘browns’: This is the brown dead stuff that provides the microbes in your compost with energy so they can keep on chowing down on your waste.

3. Air: Oxygen is needed for breaking down the carbon, facilitating the decomposition process. Oxygen can be ‘added’ to the compost by regularly turning all the ingredients.

4. Water: The compost mix should be moist, resembling a damp sponge, but not overly saturated. Inadequate hydration can diminish compost biology.

Maintaining a 1:1 ratio of greens to browns is crucial for the right balance. Every time you add a bucket of food waste to your compost pile also add a bucket of carbon. Here’s a table of materials suitable for composting:

TIP 2: Creating Leaf Mould

The easiest compost to make is leaf mould. You just need brown leaves, water and patience. Leaf mould is exactly what it sounds like- leaves left to rot down slowly over time. Moist leaves need to be left for up to one year and they eventually break down and turn into leaf mould. In Australia the best time to do this is during Autumn when composting resources are bountiful with fallen leaves everywhere. Leaf mould is perfect for the garden and can be used to improve soil, for mulching and for making your own potting mix.

There are two easy ways to make your very own leaf mould:

1. Bag It: To start making leaf mould easily, fill large plastic bags with leaves, puncture a few holes, and position them in a shady area. This reliable method yields excellent leaf mould in 6 to 12 months, provided the leaves stay adequately moist. Remember to check the bags regularly, as they can degrade over time.

2. Cage It: Create leaf mould by using an upright roll of chicken wire placed in a dark, shady spot in your garden. Pack as many leaves as possible into the cage, ensuring they remain moist throughout. To minimise water loss, consider lining the cage with cardboard or palm fronds. Cover the cage with hessian or shade cloth and leave undisturbed for 6 to 8 months.

TIP 3: Using a Bokashi System

Composting expert Kate favours the Bokashi compost system for directing food waste away from landfills and creating a valuable soil conditioner.

Originating from Japan, this anaerobic fermentation process utilises a special blend of beneficial microorganisms to break down organic matter. Unlike traditional composting, the Bokashi System accepts a wider range of materials, including meat, dairy, and cooked food scraps, making it a versatile solution for households. The process occurs in an airtight container, preventing the production of foul odours and attracting pests. 

Tip: To avoid maggots and flies on your compost cover the food scraps with carbon rich materials (e.g. shredded paper, wood chips and brown leaves).

As the microorganisms work their magic, the waste undergoes a pickling process, producing a nutrient-dense liquid called Bokashi tea. The resulting compost, once buried or added to traditional compost bins, enriches the soil with beneficial microorganisms, enhancing its fertility and promoting sustainable gardening practices. The Bokashi system stands out as an effective, space-efficient, and eco-friendly approach to reducing kitchen waste and contributing to a healthier environment.

Composting is a simple yet impactful way to reduce waste and enhance the garden soil fertility. By following these essential composting tips from the queen of composting, Kate, you'll be well on your way to creating nutrient-rich compost that contributes to a healthier, more sustainable garden.

For more composting tips check out Kate’s book: ‘The Compost Coach’. Happy composting!

For more gardening tips catch-up on episodes of The Garden Hustle on 9Now!