Though a lot of people get into the simple compost method of putting kitchen scraps and yard clippings into a composter and reap the rewards a few months later to place on their gardens, there are actually many interesting variations on composting. Many of them can be done with the kind of compost bins for sale everywhere. Here are some of the more interesting composting methods and uses for compost.
Bokashi composting is an intensive form of composting. It involves creating a starter culture (similar to a starter yogurt culture) that can be used to extend the compost culture indefinitely. This starter culture is made from so-called "effective microorganisms" (EMs), molasses, water, and wheat bran. Kitchen waste is then placed in sealed plastic compost bins and "inoculated" with the starter mix. This causes the fermentation and organic breakdown to occur at a faster rate than typical composting.
Compost tea is a form of liquid organic fertilizer that's made from steeping compost in water. It not only fertilizes, but can prevent plant diseases. Non-edible parts of plants are sprayed with compost tea, while seedlings may have their roots dipped in it before planting. It is said to reduce problems with pathogenic fungi in plants.
Vermicomposting is the use of worms in creation of compost. Earthworms, red wigglers, and white worms are the most common types of worms used in vermicomposting. Not only do the worms effectively break up and turn the compost for you, they also create vermicast (worm manure) that is a great addition to the mixture. Vermicompost contains water-soluble nutrients and is fantastic at conditioning and fertilizing soil.
Hugelkultur is a form of intensive composting that involves making raised beds that are filled with rotted wood. This creates what is called a nurse log which is then covered with dirt. The buried, decomposing wood gives off heat for many years, and this allows horticulturalists to grow fruit trees at altitudes and in climates where they otherwise could not grow.
Of course, not all home composting enthusiasts go to such extremes with their composting. Run-of-the-mill composting with a compost tumbler and a backyard garden is great on its own as far as providing free organic fertilizer and keeping kitchen waste from landfills. But many people have adapted some of these features for their home composting, especially the addition of earthworms to the compost. This is easy, and doesn't have to be very hands-on, particularly if rotating compost bins are used.
And not all home composting enthusiasts are even gardeners. Some have house plants, and others simply enjoy recycling their kitchen scraps into something that is useful for those who do love to garden, and that's a good enough reason to start composting. The use of composting has grown in ordinary homes and communities all over the world as people become more educated and involved in environmental sustainability.
All it takes is a composter, the collection of non-meat kitchen scraps and the occasional dead leaf supplement, plus time, and the result is one of the best organic soil additives you can get anywhere - right from your own kitchen and backyard.
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