Squashing Compost Myths

“Compost piles stink. I would never have one. because I couldn’t tolerate the stench, I don’t have the time, and I DON’T want the rodents.”

Forget the black gold that a compost pile will deliver. Forget the organic treasure trove of nutrients this soil amendment will provide for your plants. Forget the health of the planet. Composting is crazy.

Ever heard this sentiment before? I have. Often. And it’s because many people have a misconception about composting. It doesn’t have to be stinky and messy, attract bugs and wildlife. Quite the opposite. It’s an easy, simple, very worthwhile endeavor. Not only do the plants in my vegetable garden love it, my pile grows a few of its own veggies for me! Look at this gorgeous pumpkin plant. I didn’t do a thing to grow it, except dump the Halloween pumpkins onto the pile. Amazing.

Remember the incredible sweet potato I harvested from the pile a few months back? Stupendous.

How about the buttery delicious fresh white potatoes?

The beans? Tomatoes?

Talk about an incredible gardener, my compost pile is the best! Who wouldn’t want to garden with a compost pal?

Back to the myths.

1. Compost piles stink.

Sure, if you put things in that shouldn’t be in a compost pile, like meat, dairy items or cooking oils. If you put kitchen scraps in, then cover them with raked-up leaves, you’ll have nothing but the smell of Mother Earth. Aaaahhhh…..

2. I need a big backyard.

You simply need a “spot” outside to place your compost pile, or a commercially-made compost bin, like the one shown above. You can also opt for vermicomposting (worm composting).This setup, shown below, can fit on any apartment patio or balcony.

3. Composting is too complicated.

Not really. You only need to know two concepts: greens and browns. Greens are your kitchen scrap items and browns are your dead leaves, mulch, hay, etc. Don’t let those perfectionist-types deter you. Overlap green-brown-green-brown and you’re done. If you don’t get rain, occasionally douse your pile with water. Easy! It’s how my pile works and I’ve been composting for years.

4. Compost piles attract rodents and pests.

Only if you place meat, fried foods or sweets in your compost pile. These aren’t great additions and can attract unwanted visitors. If you do add items like leftover pie and cake (who has this stuff leftover?), simply bury them deep into your pile, or cover them with a fresh layer of yard waste. I do and it works. No animals, other than my curious dog, that is.

5. I don’t have time to compost.

Either way, you have to toss those kitchen scraps out. Why not opt for a compost pile/bin instead of the garbage can? Grass clippings and raked leaves can be added weekly. And besides, it’s not like you have to stand watch over your compost pile. That’s Mother Nature’s job!

Now grab that food waste and get started. It’s easier than you think.