Compost is an excellent and ecological fertilizer that can be obtained practically for free, using garden or house waste. However,carelessly throwing some waste into the compostercan render the compost completely unusable, smelly, full of pathogens and toxic substances. Seewhat you must not put in the composterand how to avoid basic mistakes that are often made when preparing compost. Here are the 7 deadly sins of unskillful composting!
What not to throw into the composter
Fig. pixabay.com
1. Do not throw infected plants into the composter
The most common mistakeis to throw into the composter parts of plants affected by diseases and pestsFungus spores, eggs and wintering pest larvae can survive the composting process. In their active form, they can be introduced into the soil when spreading compost and be a source of plant infection.Infected plant residues should be removed from the garden and not placed in the composter
Note!
Until recently, it was common practice to burn plant debris infested with diseases or pests to prevent the spread of pathogens. However, according to the current regulations, smoking leaves and branches, even if they come from sick plants, is forbidden. From gardens and plots, we should dispose of them in accordance with the principles of segregation and waste return in force in our commune.Cut branches and removed leaves are called green waste.
2. Be careful with weeds!
Anothercommon mistake is composting weeds at full maturity , i.e. those that have already produced seeds. The high temperature inside the compost heap does not destroy the weed seeds. Seeds preserved in the compost after use germinate, causing weed infestation. So we can compost annual weeds, but harvested before they can produce seeds.
Perennial weeds, which easily recover from their roots, should not be composted. These weeds, when thrown into the compost, will easily take root in it and start growing. Then, along with the compost, they will spread throughout the garden.
Good to know!
However, there is asmart way to also compost perennial weeds It is worth getting to know it, because plants such as nettle and horsetail are rich in minerals. To use them,dry them well in the sun before throwing them into the composter. composter.
3. Beware of chemicals in organic materials
It is obvious thatmaterials such as : glass, ceramics, plastic, foil bags, metal, fabrics and debris cannot be thrown into the composter. They are not compostable and may contain harmful substances. Butyou must also not compost organic materials that may contain various chemicals
For this reasonyou should not throw newspapers and printed paperinto the composter (due to chemical dyes in the printing ink), as well as coated cardboard (e.g. milk or juice cartons).
Unconditionallyyou must not throw into the composter painted and impregnated wood , packages of artificial fertilizers and chemical plant protection agents, grilled ash with kindling, medicines, cosmetics and old batteries. Throwing such materials into the composterguarantees compost contamination
4. We never throw animal waste into the composter
Animal waste must not be composted , i.e. bones, fat, meat, whole eggs (only shells are allowed) and dairy products. Decaying debris is a breeding ground for harmful microbes, giving off an unpleasant odor that can drag on rats. For sanitary reasonsdo not put animal waste , cat litter and animal cage bedding in the composter.
5. Vegetables from soup, cooked with meat, must not be put into the composter
"For the same reasons as should not be thrown into the compost of meat,we should not compost leftover vegetables cooked in the stock of meat They are steeped in a meat aroma and will attract microorganisms and pests in perishable meat to the composter. This mistake is common. It seems to us that we only compost the leftover vegetables. However, it isvegetables from meat stock that often causes an unpleasant smell from the composter "
6. Do not throw any contaminated waste into the composter
You should not compost plants growing near communication routesas they may contain heavy metals. We also do not compost grass sprinkled with herbicides.Citrus peels bought in supermarkets are also unsuitable material for compost , which are covered with a layer of preservatives during transport and may contain residues of plant protection products. Additionally, chemical compounds accumulated in citrus peels and preservatives inhibit the growth of microorganisms responsible for the mineralization of organic matter in the heap, which extends the composting process.
7. Do not throw thick branches into the composter
Do not throw into the compost heap thick branches, pine needles and leaves containing large amounts of tannins(e.g. oak leaves), because they will decompose for a long time and thus slow down the composting process.Thick tree limbs should be crushed before throwing into the composterNeedles and the rest of coniferous plants should be composted in a separate place due to the presence of resins that inhibit the decomposition of organic substances and the impact on the acidification of the compost.
" What if there are forbidden ingredients in the compost? "
If you accidentally put something into the composter, which shouldn't be there, it's not all lost yet: -)
In this case, add the Trigger-4 composting agent to the composting material, which contains bacteria and enzymes supporting the composting process. It is so powerful that it is recommendedfor use with materials that are difficult to recompost , such aspaper, chips or faeces and used, among others. in municipal composting plants and landfills. In the garden, Trigger-4 enablesto obtain fully mature compost in just 3 months
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MSc Eng. Agnieszka Lach
