How To Make The Best Compost
Five easy steps to make compost at home
The smell hit me like a rogue wave of humidity on a scorching Perth day. My mate's compost pile, nestled discreetly behind the chook pen, held all the charm of a backyard landfill. But then, as she dug in, revealing the rich, dark, crumbly goodness within, the symphony of worms wriggling in the sun turned the stench into a serenade of self-sufficiency. She grinned, "Hun, that's not just dirt, it's black gold. Your garden's gotta be begging for it." And boy, was she right. From scrawny zucchinis to anemic lettuces, my veggie patch went from hospital ward to beauty pageant after a good dose of her homemade compost. So, before you reach for store-bought fertiliser, let's crack the code on creating your own black gold, the lifeblood of any thriving Aussie backyard.
<img src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/659ff6b5bb2345083f836033/1705929253507-KRO5SX3NW3KMQWO5B3WF/image-asset.jpeg?format=original" alt>
Why bother, you ask? Well, besides the obvious (saving oodles of dollaridoos), homegrown compost is like a superfood buffet for your veggies. It's chock-full of organic matter, teeming with beneficial microbes, and brimming with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium – the trinity of plant nutrients. Unlike store-bought stuff, it's tailored to your soil and climate, like a bespoke suit for your garden. Plus, it's like magic: transforming kitchen scraps and garden waste into fertile gold is the ultimate sustainability flex. Recycling at its finest, mate!
So, how do we create this glorious black gold? Fear not, green thumbs and wannabe homesteaders, it's easier than you think. Think of your compost pile as a giant, sun-drenched salad bowl. You just need the right ingredients and a bit of love to whip up a masterpiece.
1) Greens and Browns: First, gather your greens (nitrogen-rich goodies like fruit and veggie scraps, coffee grounds, and fresh grass clippings) and browns (carbon-rich stuff like dry leaves, shredded paper, and twigs). Think of it like a balanced diet for your compost pile – greens for muscle, browns for bone. Aim for a two-to-one ratio of browns to greens, like a hearty salad with just the right amount of dressing.
2) Location, Location, Location: Choose a sunny, well-ventilated spot that's easy to access (you'll be thanking yourself when it's time to turn). Size doesn't matter, mate, start small and let your pile grow organically. A simple wooden bin or even a retired wheelie bin works just fine.
3) Moisture is Key: Just like us, our compost needs a good drink now and then. Keep it damp, not soggy, like a freshly squeezed sponge. Give it a good stir every week or two to aerate the mix – think of it as your pile's gym session.
4) Patience is a Virtue: Don't expect overnight results. Good compost takes time, usually around three months, to reach its peak deliciousness. But trust me, the wait is worth it. Your plants will be om, nom, nomming in no time.
5) The Extra Zest: If you're feeling fancy, toss in some extras like crushed eggshells for calcium, wood ash for potassium, or even a handful of soil from your established garden bed to jumpstart the microbial party.
<img src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/659ff6b5bb2345083f836033/1705929485686-UK82GUOF16KH1X07V043/image-asset.jpeg?format=original" alt>
Composting might seem like a bit of a mystery, but it's really just nature doing its thing with a helping hand from you. Educators like Eight Acres Permaculture offer coaching, workshops, and a supportive community to guide you every step of the way, from building your first bin to troubleshooting your compost woes.
Remember, self-sufficiency is a journey, not a destination, and even a slightly funky compost pile is a step towards creating your own backyard Eden. So, grab your scraps, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to cook up some black gold magic. What delicious veggies will you feed your compost monster first?
Want to learn more about gardening and building a self-sufficient lifestyle? Check out these featured articles!
Why Healthy Soil Makes Healthy Food
The Best Aussie Books for Veggie Gardening
Subscribe to our email newsletter for regular tips and tricks on homesteading and self-sufficiency, wherever you are. You can also follow us on Instagram & Facebook (@eightacrespermaculture) and Pinterest (Eight Acres Permaculture) for frequent updates. Happy growing!
