Grades 5-7
Tutorial 4. Nutrient boost for the garden
Throughout these tutorials you have read about how to reduce food waste at home and while shopping. In a perfect world this would enough, but realistically it’s not always possible to completely prevent food waste. Luckily, there is an alternative to throwing away food scraps and it even can help our garden: composting.
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Composting is the process of mixing food scraps and food soiled paper with materials such as dry leaves, cardboard or shredded paper in a controlled space like a compost pile or vermicompost (worm) bin to speed up their breaking down, or decomposition.
When these organic materials come together along with air and water, you have the perfect environment for tiny organisms to get to work. Trillions of microorganisms, bacteria and fungus break down your apple cores and watermelon rinds and the completed process results in a nutrient-rich soil amendment that you can use in your garden to boost plant growth and improve soil health. With a little effort and a few simple rules, you can give at-home composting a try. Although simple enough to do on your own, you’ll want to get your parent’s permission before you start composting. You may even find that they want to participate, too. |
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Kitchen basics
Before you get started composting, you’ll need to know some basics about separating your kitchen scraps. First you’ll want a container where you’ll keep your fruit and vegetable scraps. Specialty compost containers are available in stores and online, but you can always reuse a coffee can or plastic container to keep your scraps. Keep in mind that you should always keep a lid on your container to keep fruit flies away. |
Visit the City of Oceanside website for resources and current opportunities to receive free composting supplies, including food scraps kitchen pails when supplies are available. |
Food scraps
The next important step is the types of food scraps to use.
The next important step is the types of food scraps to use.
- If you are vermicomposting (as described below), you’ll want to use ONLY fruits and vegetables. However, do not use citrus, garlic and onions, which create an environment too acidic for the worms. Coffee grounds and ground up eggshells are also great additions to provide grit to help the worms’ digestion.
- For a static compost pile, you can add all fruits and vegetables, eggshells, coffee grounds, plus soiled paper towels and napkins. Just avoid meats and dairy products, as these can attract rodents, skunks and other animals, and make for a stinky pile. This method will also require yard scraps like dry leaves or other carbon-rich materials such as straw.
Select the right type of composting for your household
Ready to get started? Learn more about the two composting options below and pick the one that’s right for you.
Ready to get started? Learn more about the two composting options below and pick the one that’s right for you.
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Space should also be considered when choosing the best composting option for your home. Vermicomposting is better for small patios and, because it has little to no smell, can even be kept indoors. Static composting is better for homes with backyards because it can have a bit of a smell and requires more space than vermicomposting.
Tutorial Challenge
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In this tutorial you’ll set up a compost bin, either a small-scale vermicompost bin or a static compost pile.
Not ready to set up a bin? Try composting in a jar. This fun and easy activity enables you to watch the composting process in your own kitchen jar. |
Free composting bins
The City of Oceanside offers free static composting and vermicomposting bins to Oceanside residents and educators (while supplies last). Visit the City’s website to keep up to date on their Backyard Compost Program and bin availability. |
