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Do You Compost?

From the lens 10 Composting Tips.

Share one or two of your composting tips. We would love to hear what works and does not work for you.

Happy Composting!

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  • Tolovaj May 26, 2012 @ 5:22 pm | delete
    I did, but don't at the moment. Sooner or later I will start again. Thanks for the tips!
  • AndrazP May 2, 2012 @ 5:26 am | delete
    Not yet ... but I think I just might start :) This artice was useful in many ways, thank you! :)
  • Lenskeeper Apr 29, 2012 @ 6:47 pm | delete
    I have just started composting. Thanks for the info!
  • DanielGlynn Apr 29, 2012 @ 1:39 pm | delete
    very informative! great lense!
  • River_Rose Apr 29, 2012 @ 10:50 am | delete
    I don't garden anymore, but add my kitchen wastes like potato peelings, etc. to the flower bed.
  • BigGirlBlue Apr 29, 2012 @ 3:08 pm | delete
    Excellent!
  • kajohu Apr 29, 2012 @ 9:33 am | delete
    We compost our vegetable scraps and garden detritus -- my husband made three large compost bins using discarded wooden pallets. But they do fall apart after a number of years! He's replaced them once so far. It's also a fair amount of work to turn the compost piles over. I like the idea of a compost tumbler myself :-)
  • BigGirlBlue Apr 29, 2012 @ 3:07 pm | delete
    That is a problem with using wood, it breaks down too. Not to mention hard on the back. ;)
  • LizLilith Apr 29, 2012 @ 12:52 am | delete
    Great advice! So many reasons to compost; it's a win-win.
  • CarmellaMae Apr 28, 2012 @ 11:05 am | delete
    I just started composting this year, not too good at it yet, but I hope to be a pro by this time next year. Great info in your lens too, thanks so much for creating this lens!
  • BigGirlBlue Apr 29, 2012 @ 3:07 pm | delete
    When you are just starting it does take a few years to get into the groove. Hang in there.
  • bagskartIndia Apr 27, 2012 @ 1:51 am | delete
    Thanks for share great Composting Tips
  • sherridan Apr 26, 2012 @ 8:33 pm | delete
    We had a compost tip as a kid, but mice and rats are bad enough in London, so I am afraid to encourage them further.
  • BigGirlBlue Apr 29, 2012 @ 3:06 pm | delete
    There must be a way around that with an enclosed composter or something. You should check with your city, they may have suggestions
  • PamelaU Apr 26, 2012 @ 5:19 pm | delete
    We've got a composter, but I'm an idiot in the garden. I don't know what I'm doing...this lens has been a big help, especially the tip about worms.
  • BigGirlBlue Apr 29, 2012 @ 3:05 pm | delete
    The good thing about gardens is that they are forgiving. Keep trying.
  • amanda2x Apr 26, 2012 @ 4:16 pm | delete
    i used to for sure, now i live in a apartment
  • BigGirlBlue Apr 29, 2012 @ 3:04 pm | delete
    It is sad that more apartment buildings don't get together to do some kind of group composting. Most buildings have a piece of property they could use for composting. There should be some city incentive for buildings to do this.
  • Tom Apr 26, 2012 @ 3:25 pm | delete
    When I was emptying one of my composters I accidently disturbed a family of field mice they had nested there throughout the winter I guess. So if you are going to empty your composter take care that there is lodgers.Tom
  • BigGirlBlue Apr 29, 2012 @ 3:03 pm | delete
    Eek, that is certainly a surprise. Guess it was nice and warm in there. :D
  • PastorCher Apr 26, 2012 @ 12:11 am | delete
    Yes, but it was good to learn about the fruit juice. appreciate the tips.
  • kerilovesadeal Apr 25, 2012 @ 1:10 pm | delete
    I'm sharing a compost bin with my mom. She's got the garden spot and bin. I've got a newspaper subscription and will be helping her in the garden. :)
  • BigGirlBlue Apr 25, 2012 @ 2:34 pm | delete
    That is a great idea sharing with someone else.
  • Graceonline Apr 25, 2012 @ 11:13 am | delete
    When I had a garden, yes I composted routinely. I am fortunate now to live in a city that collects all compostable materials at curbside, so even though we do not have a garden, we continue to collect food scraps, pizza boxes and other compostables and set them out in the green bin.

    One advantage to having a city-collection compost system is that ALL food scraps are compostable, including greasy foods, meat and even bones. The industrial compost facility employed by the city breaks them all down to black gold.

    This project saves the city millions of dollars a year in transporting solid waste to land fills many miles away, sometimes out of state. What's more, we residents benefit. Those who have gardens can pick up a certain number of bags of compost from the city free each year, and buy more if they need.
  • BigGirlBlue Apr 25, 2012 @ 2:34 pm | delete
    Our city has always been good at recycling. Last year we started the curbside composting and it really is awesome as you say it takes all the stuff we shouldn't compost at home. At the end of every season those who participate get a bag of compost. It is so nice when a city takes an active plan of action.
  • JZinoBodyArt Apr 26, 2012 @ 3:02 pm | delete
    That is such a great idea! We don't have anything like that here but if we did, it would be a hit! Thank you for sharing!
  • jholland Apr 25, 2012 @ 2:20 am | delete
    We were using a compost bin but due to mice enjoying our compost this winter, we are moving to an enclosed compost tumbler. We just don't get enough natural brown matter here to keep a pile cooking.
  • BigGirlBlue Apr 25, 2012 @ 2:32 pm | delete
    Well at least the mice didn't go hungry this winter. ;) LOL
  • PaulRyan Apr 24, 2012 @ 7:59 pm | delete
    I tried doing it, but didn't really know what I was doing. Maybe this guide will help, thanks. :)
  • BigGirlBlue Apr 25, 2012 @ 2:27 pm | delete
    There is lots of help on the internet and starting is easier than most people think.
  • ratetea Apr 24, 2012 @ 12:28 pm | delete
    I composted when I lived in an apartment building in a suburban setting where I had a large yard and garden, but when I moved into a city and lived in a mid-rise apartment building with no yard, I was not able to. I know some people who have worm-composting setups in small apartments, but I don't have the diligence to do this. I wish there were a central authority in my apartment building that did this but there isn't any setup like this. Sometimes I'm frustrated because I want to choose housing based on eco-friendly options, but these options just aren't available when I go apartment hunting, even if I want to pay more.
  • BigGirlBlue Apr 25, 2012 @ 2:27 pm | delete
    Worm composting definitely isn't for everyone. I know I don't mind coming across them in the yard out back but I really couldn't look at a whole bin of them. It is very frustrating when apartment buildings do not embrace being eco-friendly.
  • Kevidoo Apr 23, 2012 @ 9:06 am | delete
    great lens! simples and straightforward thanks!
  • dann7trdro Apr 23, 2012 @ 8:55 am | delete
    Yes I do. Where I live in CA, they collect compost along with the garbage.
  • BigGirlBlue Apr 25, 2012 @ 2:25 pm | delete
    I think CA was one of the first to do that weren't they? We just started that last year. It's great because it takes a lot of the stuff one should not compost at home.
  • Close2Art Apr 22, 2012 @ 9:58 pm | delete
    I have a fenced in little area that I use to compost, great tips, Blessed
  • BigGirlBlue Apr 25, 2012 @ 2:24 pm | delete
    I would have loved to have the fenced in kind of compost so I can do yard waste too. Luckily though our city collects and composts it.
  • bjslapidary Apr 22, 2012 @ 9:36 pm | delete
    Great info. Thanks.
  • velmayilraja Apr 22, 2012 @ 7:35 pm | delete
    composting is a good process of creating nutrition rich soil and very organic too
  • grinagallery Apr 22, 2012 @ 9:38 am | delete
    Excellent information. We have a compost bin and a worm farm. Both do our garden a world of good. Natural solutions to waste disposal and fertilising the garden is always preferable. :-)
  • fish-oil-expert Apr 21, 2012 @ 7:55 pm | delete
    Yes I love composting.
  • radkoaleks Apr 21, 2012 @ 6:46 pm | delete
    I'm considering compost. I prepare so much and always have skins, cores and arises departed and always think- "I need to do that". Ive been looking at Amazon and see composters and earthworms composters. Are they the same thing?
  • BigGirlBlue Apr 22, 2012 @ 3:02 pm | delete
    They are completely different things. If you are just starting out definitely go for a regular composter.
  • BuddyBink Apr 21, 2012 @ 4:12 pm | delete
    My mother composted religiously. I have no place to compost but I do recycle everything I can. Someday I will have a place to compost and be able to enjoy the befits.
  • BunnyFabulous Apr 21, 2012 @ 3:55 pm | delete
    not yet. Looking into it, so this is helpful info.
  • ItayasDesigns Apr 21, 2012 @ 12:41 pm | delete
    A fantastic article after my own heart! Bookmarking this to check out all the other articles about composting as well. :)
  • fish-oil-expert Apr 21, 2012 @ 8:07 am | delete
    Yes I do. Where I live in CA, they collect compost along with the garbage.
  • BiminiBahamas Apr 21, 2012 @ 2:21 am | delete
    Yes! Out back ...
  • InfernalCombustion Apr 20, 2012 @ 12:58 pm | delete
    I don't, because I live in an apartment and don't have a garden, but my neighbor is starting a community garden and compost heap, so I'm going to be getting in on that deal!
  • BigGirlBlue Apr 22, 2012 @ 3:03 pm | delete
    That will be fun. Hopefully they will let you donate some compost in exchange for reaping the benefits of homegrown veggies.
  • bossypants Apr 20, 2012 @ 11:51 am | delete
    Yes! We have a smallish tumbler can't wait to see the rewards in the garden!
  • garagerob Apr 20, 2012 @ 10:57 am | delete
    Not yet, but thinking about it for sure now!!!
  • Shedbuilder Apr 20, 2012 @ 3:08 am | delete
    Built my first compost bin over 35 years ago, nice lens.
  • candidaabrahamson Apr 19, 2012 @ 1:02 pm | delete
    Loved this post--even though I'm not a big composter, have got a family member who is. I think this is such an important element of 'going green' that I nominated you for LOTD. Good luck!
  • malkyb Apr 19, 2012 @ 11:38 am | delete
    High five! Great idea to have a list on the side of your cupboard as to what can be composted. Our kids forget all the time and this is a handy tip - now all I have to do is get them to read it :)
  • Loveboncyboutique Apr 19, 2012 @ 5:33 am | delete
    Informative lens
  • LubosLabik Apr 18, 2012 @ 5:02 pm | delete
    Yes, it is great for my garden :)
  • Tipi Apr 18, 2012 @ 3:00 pm | delete
    Congratulations on another front page feature, I think I've been here four times now. If I had a garden, I certainly would compost.
  • BigGirlBlue Apr 22, 2012 @ 3:03 pm | delete
    Thanks Tipi! :D
  • io911c Apr 18, 2012 @ 11:44 am | delete
    Thanks for the great tips.
  • peggygallyot Apr 18, 2012 @ 10:41 am | delete
    I have a small bin that I use for making my compost
  • dariameister Apr 18, 2012 @ 9:38 am | delete
    It's so handy to have a compost heap to put leftovers in - I always feel much better about leaving food knowing that it's not really wasted but is going to some use.
  • scraps2treasures Apr 18, 2012 @ 7:48 am | delete
    Great tips! We have a compost tumbler, but lately I have been composting right in our raised beds with lasagna gardening. It makes the richest soil!
  • intermarks Apr 18, 2012 @ 6:49 am | delete
    A list of very useful tips. Thank for sharing!
  • BradKamer Apr 17, 2012 @ 11:07 pm | delete
    Nope. But this lens has given me reason to. Thanks for sharing.
  • getwellsoon Apr 17, 2012 @ 1:32 pm | delete
    Good tip on breaking up eggshells first. Thanks for the informative lens!
  • BigGirlBlue Apr 17, 2012 @ 2:36 pm | delete
    The great thing about having curbside composting now is I don't even have to worry about that. But for home composting it is definitely important.
  • StephanieManning Apr 17, 2012 @ 12:14 pm | delete
    Nice lens! I would like to start composting myself to be more eco-friendly and to use the compost in my greenhouse.... unfortunately I don't have the patience required but I think I may give it ago anyways!
  • blazingzone Apr 17, 2012 @ 9:52 am | delete
    Great lens, thanks for sharing!
  • BigGirlBlue Apr 17, 2012 @ 2:35 pm | delete
    Thanks!
  • desertdarlene Apr 17, 2012 @ 8:58 am | delete
    I've got a question. How do you compost when you live in an apartment and have no outside yard or porch and can't out anything outside your door? I have a very small apartment with very little room and can't figure out how to do it without stinking up the place.
  • BigGirlBlue Apr 17, 2012 @ 2:35 pm | delete
    The only thing I can think of is Red Worm Composting. I have not done it myself but I have heard that it has low smell. Something to look into anyway. Or perhaps see if there is a local community garden who would be interested in the waste you apartment produces.
  • Pinkchic18 Apr 17, 2012 @ 8:38 am | delete
    We compost but I usually make my husband do the runs out there ;) We use a large ice bucket to store items until they go out to the compost bin - it's been a great relief to store it without stinking ;) You did an awesome job with this lens. Congrats on making the front page!!
  • BigGirlBlue Apr 17, 2012 @ 2:35 pm | delete
    Thanks!
  • MyraReid Apr 17, 2012 @ 3:05 am | delete
    thanks for posting Eco-friendly tips here!.. thumbs up and liked1
  • MyraReid Apr 17, 2012 @ 3:05 am | delete
    thanks for posting Eco-friendly tips here!.. thumbs up and liked1
  • jsr54 Apr 16, 2012 @ 9:23 pm | delete
    We are big composters and the only tip I have is I just keep a little bucket outside our back door for the kitchen waste. Same as you, it saves having to bring it out to the compost pile at that moment. I empty it often so flies are not usually a problem. Well written!
  • Steve_Kaye Apr 16, 2012 @ 9:02 pm | delete
    Our city provides a brown trash can for vegetable waste. And since we have a very, very small garden area, we put all our organic trash in the brown can.
  • suzy-t Apr 16, 2012 @ 6:56 pm | delete
    You bet I do !... My grandfather taught me how and I've had a better garden ever since because of it. Great lens. Right to the point. Blessed...
  • LubosLabik Apr 16, 2012 @ 6:46 pm | delete
    Thank for the tips. It's for sure I will use them :)
  • LoveEmbroidery Apr 16, 2012 @ 3:18 pm | delete
    We compost. We alternate kitchen scraps with soil, and leaves or straw. It's a miracle to see it turn into lots of nice, rich compost for the garden.
  • KimGiancaterino Apr 16, 2012 @ 11:06 am | delete
    We have a section of the garden where all the kitchen waste is tossed. It's not a compost bin, but everything gets covered with mulch and breaks down eventually. The mulch comes from one of the local parks, so we just load up the truck whenever we need more.
  • Tipi Apr 15, 2012 @ 10:09 pm | delete
    I was just here in February to bless but just saw this on the front page and had to run over to do the dance of joy with you!
  • BigGirlBlue Apr 15, 2012 @ 10:51 pm | delete
    That is shocking. Because you commented I noticed a dead link, so thanks for coming back. :D
  • IMKZRNU Apr 11, 2012 @ 12:53 pm | delete
    I have composted since before it was "fashionable" lol.....makes the plants happy!
  • jballs6 Mar 28, 2012 @ 12:02 pm | delete
    I'm a big fan of composting. I have added your lens to my gardening blog for my readers to see and read your ideas. Thanks for sharing
  • KReneeC Mar 18, 2012 @ 10:14 pm | delete
    GREAT LENS!!!! Thank you so much for all the information!! I am getting ready to build a composting bin and you have helped me so much on how to get goin!
  • mjtaylor Mar 18, 2012 @ 5:33 pm | delete
    Important topic, thanks for creating this lens!
  • RenaissanceWoman2010 Mar 10, 2012 @ 10:19 am | delete
    Making a return visit to sprinkle a blessing in that compost bin. I am appreciative of how you are raising awareness and providing practical knowledge that can be readily applied. Thank you!
  • flicker Feb 1, 2012 @ 11:34 am | delete
    Yes, I compost. My latest trick is to sprinkle alfalfa meal in my compost bin. That adds nitrogen to help the process.
  • Airyu2011 Jan 28, 2012 @ 8:18 pm | delete
    I compost nearly everything I can, great lens!
  • Tipi Jan 27, 2012 @ 2:25 am | delete
    Returning to sprinkle a little angel dust over your compost....
  • Fridayonmymind Dec 26, 2011 @ 10:07 am | delete
    A great lens to read about composting from a fellow compostee.
  • kelli320 Sep 24, 2011 @ 3:21 pm | delete
    I'm thinking about composting. I cook so much and always have peels, cores and stems left and always think- "I need to do that". Ive been looking at Amazon and see composters and worm composters. Are they the same thing?
  • Staceysk Sep 9, 2011 @ 11:21 am | delete
    Great info...Linking to this :)
  • aesta1 Jun 28, 2011 @ 12:29 pm | delete
    We use a composting toilet in our cottage and every year when we empty this, we have very good compost for our wild flowers.
  • RenaissanceWoman2010 Jun 27, 2011 @ 12:02 pm | delete
    Thanks for all of these practical composting tips and resources. Excellent!
  • pawpaw911 Jun 15, 2011 @ 1:12 pm | delete
    We have composted for a couple of decades. Everybody should.
  • Wedding_Mom Jun 5, 2011 @ 4:32 am | delete
    Finally, Great tips on how to make a compose. I've been looking for something that is easy to do and makes sense. Yours is pretty much the best of the bunch. Thanks so much for sharing your amazing tips. Lovely work!
  • TheresaMarkham Apr 21, 2011 @ 10:08 pm | delete
    I add beer - it does 2 things (I think that the latter is the more important one) - heats things up a little and ... attracts the slugs (who are HUGE alcoholics!) and keeps them in/around the compost pile and out of the garden! :)
  • ShandiGP Apr 14, 2011 @ 8:40 pm | delete
    Does that "Compost: The Natural Way to Make Food for Your Garden" book address the challenges of indoor/apartment composting? I'm looking for a good book so I really know what I'm getting into before I start composting! (which I will no matter what, and SOON, I just haven't decided what method)
  • BigGirlBlue Apr 14, 2011 @ 11:36 pm | delete
    It's been a while since I read it so I had to dig it out and have a look. It is more for yard composting than indoor/apt composting. I did find a few apartment composting books on Amazon but they look like they are out of print. I would definitely stop by your local library as they will probably have a great section of composting books. I just had another thought -- went to Abe Books (www.abebooks.com) which is a second hand book store and found Real Dirt: Backyard, Balcony, and Apartment Composting by Mark Cullen. If you do a search for "apartment composting" they'll give you a few book choices. Good luck!
  • TheresaMarkham Apr 21, 2011 @ 10:10 pm | delete
    I think indoors you're probably going to get mostly recommendations for worm composting (vermicomposting). As long as you feed them, they won't leave the indoor compost container. Several books out there such as "Worms Eat My Garbage." Have fun!
  • Irenemaria Apr 1, 2011 @ 6:32 am | delete
    I did for many years when we lived in the country side. But now I am in an apartment. I still hesitate to throw banana peels or leftovers in the bin. This lens is blessed by a Squid angel!
  • imolaK Apr 1, 2011 @ 1:47 am | delete
    Your tips are very helpful. Thank you and Blessed by an Angel.
  • kare2share Mar 28, 2011 @ 5:58 pm | delete
    I've been meaning to start composting for the last couple of years, but somehow I keep putting it off. Thanks for sharing your helpful tips!
  • howtocurecancer Mar 25, 2011 @ 9:01 am | delete
    I need the tips because my new hobby is gardening.
  • Tipi Feb 28, 2011 @ 10:59 pm | delete
    I'm hoping and preparing to move back to the country and will enjoy getting to compost again. Great tips!
  • jackiebolen Feb 27, 2011 @ 9:05 pm | delete
    These are great tips, thank you.
  • jennynazak Feb 3, 2011 @ 10:14 am | delete
    I love composting. Started years ago when all i had was a tiny spot at an RV park. From a bare strip of grass, it became a multilayered mini-forest through the addition of my compost and various plantings. Thanks for the composting basics! This will encourage a lot of people to get started.
  • photofk3 Jan 15, 2011 @ 10:24 am | delete
    Very useful info, it helps in making a nutrient rich soil for our garden as well as in protecting our environment. Thank you.
  • Bluesssman Dec 8, 2010 @ 9:26 pm | delete
    I have composted for years and very much enjoy the results.
  • hdkeulenaer Nov 8, 2010 @ 11:26 pm | delete
    Great overview. I'm doing my first year of composting, and hope to end up with usable land rather than a pile of garbage. Fingers crossed.
  • BigGirlBlue Nov 9, 2010 @ 1:01 pm | delete
    Good luck! I'm sure the end results will be fabulous.
  • ajgodinho Oct 11, 2010 @ 10:41 am | delete
    Great ideas and tips for composting. **Blessed by a Squid-Angel**
  • Bici Parker Aug 4, 2009 @ 2:27 pm | delete
    When I first started composting years ago, my next door neighbor asked me if I was burying somone... Nice lens, Moe.
  • Jul 2, 2009 @ 5:15 am | delete
    There are no excuses for NOT composting! Absolutely. And this is especially true for gardeners; when I meet a gardener who doesn't compost, it just blows my mind! The traditional gardening methods use up nutrients in the soil 16 times faster than it can be replaced by nature. That's why it is so crucially important to FEED YOUR SOIL!
  • JohannTheDog Jun 1, 2009 @ 6:01 am | delete
    Great lens!!! We love composting! And Mum now wants to vermicompost our doo! Should be interesting :) Thanks for including my Raise a Green Dog lens, woofs!
  • SemperFidelis Apr 22, 2009 @ 9:06 pm | delete
    Blessed by a SquidAngel today!
    www.squidoo.com/squid-angel
    ~ Colleen :o)
  • gardenlady Apr 20, 2009 @ 12:54 pm | delete
    Very nice & useful lens. We all need to be more aware of how we dispose of our waste. Thanks for sharing your tips.
  • spirituality Apr 18, 2009 @ 3:59 am | delete
    Great lens - you've been blessed by a squidoo angel :)
  • eclecticeducation Apr 6, 2009 @ 9:46 pm | delete
    Great lens! Thanks for all of the information. 5*
  • totalhealth Mar 26, 2009 @ 4:33 pm | delete
    great lens. composting not only reduce waste but also makes our plants healthier making our soil richer with nutrients.
  • GoGreenWithGREENCulture Dec 17, 2008 @ 1:37 pm | delete
    This is really good information! I definitely favorited it, thank you for taking the time to write all this.
  • BigGirlBlue Nov 5, 2008 @ 5:57 pm | in reply to paperfacets | delete
    You are so right. It amazes me the amount of waste we are able to recycle. It all adds up month to month.
  • Elizabeth Nov 5, 2008 @ 2:46 pm | delete
    We are the largest family on our block (6) and have the least amount of garbage collected each week! We recycle everything! Thanks for the great lens! People need to reduce the waste they send to the landfill, composting is an excellent way to do that!
  • paperfacets Aug 15, 2008 @ 4:59 pm | delete
    The latest in L.A. is that the city is going to give out thousands of kitchen waste pails. I hope the population likes it and uses them. I have my new bin of three months. It keeps shrinking so something is happening. Thank for the tips.
  • ecogreenbags Aug 7, 2008 @ 6:51 am | delete
    Great work! I only do this with coffee grinds right now, but this is encouraging hearing how easy it is. Lensrolled onto our "paint disposal" lens!
  • mulberry Apr 26, 2008 @ 11:04 am | delete
    Excellent information and well organized as well!
  • BigGirlBlue Apr 25, 2008 @ 3:12 pm | delete
    Hi Winter! Thanks for sharing your experience. There's a rumor that our town will be instituting curb side composting. I hope it does, my back yard can only do so much. We waste so much as a society. Every little bit helps.
  • Winter52 Apr 25, 2008 @ 3:00 pm | delete
    Our town promotes composting and they pick it up weekly. It's amazing how much DOESN'T go in landfill if you put it into a bin. In a week, we have collected several bags of kitchen/garden scraps. Between the green bin and the blue bin, we are down to about 1/2 bag of garbage a week.

by

BigGirlBlue

I have been composting since we moved into our house ten years ago. It came with a composter! I have learned a lot since then. Happy composting!
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