Compost is good for plants. We show why every gardener should start and build a compost heap and how to use compost properly.
In the past, real compost was an integral part of every garden. Why spend a lot of money on fertilizer when you can make the Rolls-Royce of fertilizer yourself in the garden? Compost is not only rich in the nutrients and trace elements that are so important for plants, but also offers an environmentally friendly way of disposing of your own fruit and vegetable waste. Definitely two reasons that speak strongly for your own compost heap!
But if you look at many a compost heap today, it is unfortunately often more like a heap of organic waste. Either the rotting is not getting going properly or it stinks of rotting and even the lawn clippings from a year ago are still recognizable. If you want to close the biological cycle with your own compost, you should read the next sections carefully. With our tips, anyone can create a full-fledged compost.
The composting plant - This is how it should be set up
A good location is essential for the biological waste to become valuable humus as quickly as possible. A half-shady place with a water-permeable subsoil is best suited for this. In full sun there is a risk that the compost will dry out. After choosing the location, you have to think about what the compost should be made of. Simple board constructions (e.g. from old Euro pallets) or the purchased variant, mostly made of plastic, are suitable for this. According to the Plantura team, a good compost should have the following 3 properties:
- A water-permeable floor is essential!
- There should be as many ventilation slots on the sides as possible without compromising the stability of the compost system.
- Build a two-chamber system. The first chamber is for composting and the second for collecting garden waste.
Now you are probably asking yourself why garden waste should be collected beforehand. Have some patience, because on this pointlet's talk. In addition to the location and structure of the composting facility, the size is a crucial point. Of course, this depends on the amount of your garden waste. In any case, the system should be larger in size. The compost heap should already have a size of 1 m x 1 m x 1 m, i.e. 1 m3. Because the rule of thumb is: The larger the composting facility and the content, the faster the composting process.
What is actually happening in the compost?
Actually, nothing else happens in a compost heap than in a forest floor. Organic matter is decomposed by microorganisms and small animals such as earthworms. However, the composting system ensures the perfect living conditions for the little helpers and this means that the compost is turned over much faster. Heat is very important for soil life to thrive. Additionally, the compost pile should be moist, but not wet. If good ventilation is also guaranteed, the microorganisms work like crazy! If you heed the Plantura tips for setting up the composting system, half the battle is already paid. Just as important, however, is how the bedding or garden waste is placed in the compost. Only if enough coarse material is always worked in is an adequate air supply guaranteed and rotting prevented. This is why collecting garden waste before composting is so important. Often only fine garden waste such as lawn clippings accumulates. If too much of it is put on a compost, rot can occur because the fine lawn does not let air through. In the collection container, the lawn can first dry out a bit (it should anyway!) and later be mixed with coarser garden waste. Attentive readers will have noticed: In principle, a compost heap should be tended like a plant. Always keep it moist, but no waterlogging! And most plants feel best when it is warm.
And what can go in the compost?
Unfortunately, not all biological waste can be composted. Some foods can lead to putrefaction due to their sugar content and should therefore only be used in small quantities. Animal products can carry pathogens that are not killed in the compost. So that nothing goes wrong, we have put together a table for you. It's best to print them out right away!
| This belongs in the compost | specialFeatures |
| Garden waste | |
| Shrub hedge cutting | cut or chop |
| Tree cuttings and larger branches | decompose very slowly |
| Leaves | shredding with a lawnmower promotes rotting |
| Fallen fruit | only in small quantities, otherwise rot |
| Mowing | only withered and mixed with coarse waste |
| Harvest residues (e.g. cabbage stalk) | |
| Kitchen waste | |
| Tea and coffee also with filter paper | |
| Crushed Eggshells | only from boiled eggs otherwise risk of salmonella |
| Raw vegetable leftovers (e.g. potato skins) | distribute well in the compost |
| Citrus Peel | decompose very slowly |
| Other Leftovers | only in small quantities |
| This DOES NOT belong in the compost |
| Cooked Leftovers |
| Animal Products |
| Pet Litter |
| cigarette butts |
| Vacuum Bags |
| Infested Plant Material |
| Textiles |
| Oils |
| Wood or coal ash |
| Household waste |
Compost maintenance made easy!
One thing in advance: If the compost is in a good location and the garden waste is mixed in well, maintenance is hardly necessary. If the drought lasts for a long time, the compost heap can be watered slightly so that the soil organisms can work properly again. If the compost is too wet in the middle and starts to smell foul, the compost should be vigorously mixed. Mixing distributes moisture and also improves ventilation. Adding the right soil organisms can speed up rotting, especially in a newly created compost heap.
Use compost correctly
After 6 to 12 months the compost should be ready. This can be recognized by its fine structure and the earthy smell, which is also reminiscent of forest soil. The compost is now ready to use! If necessary, the humus can be sieved to compost coarser plant residues again. The humus can then simply be placed on the plant bed. A light incorporation into the ground is definitely recommended. With theWith self-made fertilizer you are not only doing your plants a favor. Here we have summarized the most important positive influences:
- Full fertilizer with all plant-relevant nutrients
- Improvement of soil activity of microorganisms
- The soil structure is positively influenced
- Composting directly in your own garden is very environmentally friendly
Here's a buy recommendation for the impatient!
If you don't have time to build your own composting facility, it's worth buying a quick composter. These quick composters are usually made of plastic and, thanks to their construction, heat up the compost particularly quickly. In addition, they insulate the garden waste at night and keep it warm. Due to the additional heat, the microorganisms work even faster and the compost is ready in less time. Most of these models also have a removal flap in the floor. The finished humus can simply be removed from there while fresh garden waste is refilled from above