Nothing is wasted—everything can be transformed. With composting, one person’s waste becomes nourishment for the earth. Let’s return to nature what it has given us.
Composting is the process of mimicking what happens naturally in the environment. With the help of air, moisture, microorganisms (such as fungi and bacteria), and macro-organisms (such as earthworms and woodlice larvae), organic matter breaks down over several months into a substance similar to humus: compost.
This compost is a natural soil amendment that enriches the soil and improves its structure, making it more porous and easier to work.
To produce good compost, aim for a 50/50 balance between dry structural waste and wet organic waste, and mix the contents regularly using a garden fork.
Why Compost?
The key to successful composting is balance—mixing opposites: Dry and wet, Green and brown, Nitrogen-rich and carbon-rich, Fine and coarse textures, Green (Wet) Nitrogen-Rich Materials
Tip: Crushed eggshells placed at the base of your plants provide a natural source of calcium.
Meat and fish scraps are more delicate to compost and should be introduced only once your composting system is well established.
It’s a good idea to choose the right location for your composter. It must be easily accessible.
You need to have enough space around your composter to do the manipulations.
Ideally, place your composter in a semi-shaded area.
Compost must be in contact with the soil, where the micro-organisms it needs are found. It is not necessary to decompact the soil, but a layer of structuring material can be added at start-up to aerate the compost.
Composting doesn’t require much equipment. Depending on your space and the volume of organic waste, you may need:
Above all, be patient!
After six months of composting, transfer the mixture into a second empty bin. Start a new batch in the original bin. The organisms left in the mature compost help accelerate the breakdown in the new pile.
The advantage of this system is that the new waste to be composted comes into direct contact with the mature compost left at the bottom. Composting organisms migrate and seed the new compost. This speeds up the process.
Mature compost has the following characteristics: A uniform appearance, Dark, earthy color, Pleasant, forest-like smell, Fine, crumbly texture
In mature compost, you may no longer be able to identify the original waste, or you may find it difficult to do so (cabbage cores, pieces of wood…). You can then put this recalcitrant waste through a new composting cycle.
Immature compost can be used as mulch around established plants, shrubs or trees.
However, it should not be worked into the soil right away, as it may harm young plants.
Compost can be used in two main ways:
Would you like to know all there is to know about composting?
Explore all the basics and best practices by downloading our full Composting Guide.
Need a Composter?
Depending on the type of dwelling you live in, apply to SIETREM (the procedure differs depending on whether you live in an individual or collective dwelling).
Make your own composter!
SIETREM offers you a tutorial on how to design your composter
