Hey earth muffins! Spring is here, which means we have access to our backyard compost bins again! Having a compost bin is a great way to curb your food waste and reduce the amount of biodegradable scraps headed to the landfill. Keep reading for a list of the best backyard composting tips to ensure you utilize your bin as best you can this spring!
~Be as serious about composting as you want!
The first of the backyard composting tips is to compost in a way that fits your lifestyle. Tumbler composters (like the one I have) are usually easier to deal with than compost piles. Pick your compost method wisely – and then be as serious about composting as you want. Do what fits with your lifestyle and your daily routine! If you try to bite off more than you can chew you might end up not using your bin at all.
~Keep a mason jar in the fridge/freezer and take it out when full.
A common complaint about composting is that it smells. While this isn’t necessarily true, an easy way to get around this is to keep your kitchen bin in the fridge or freezer. I personally like to use a mason jar as you can easily see how full the bin is getting. Once it is filled with scraps, take it outside to dump in the backyard compost bin!
~Make sure to add in yard waste too.
Most compost bins need a mix of greens (grass clippings, food scraps, etc.) as well as browns (dry leaves, wood bits, newspaper, etc.). Your cooking/eating will provide you with plenty of food scraps; but, don’t forget to add in some yard waste too. I wouldn’t recommend adding in all your grass clippings or leaves in the fall (as this will definitely overwhelm your green to brown balance)… But you need to make sure you add in browns each time you put in some food scraps.
~Don’t forget to rotate/turn it!
Some people rotate/turn their compost bin every single day…. Others do it once a month. Again, do what works for you! A simple rule is this: whenever you dump the kitchen bin into the backyard compost, give it a few rotations/turns. This ensures that you won’t forget to turn it, which will keep it nice and aerated.
Hope these were helpful backyard composting tips! The warmer months is an excellent time to utilize the compost that comes out of your bin; but, don’t put too much pressure on yourself to compost every single food scrap that leaves your kitchen. Just like most of us will never be perfectly zero waste, give yourself grace when it comes to composting. Do you have a compost bin? Comment below and let me know your favorite composting tips!
Love,
Jenna ♥
This is such a helpful post! Thank you for sharing all of your tips <3