Grades 8-12
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 helps our soil and plants: composting.
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Composting is the process of recycling organic material, including food scraps and yard waste, into a soil amendment that you can use to boost plant growth and improve soil health. Trillions of microorganisms, like bacteria and fungus break down your apple cores and watermelon rinds and even food-soil paper in a process called aerobic decomposition.
With a little effort and a few simple guidelines, you can be successful at home composting. Although simple enough to do on your own, you may 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. |
Choose the best composting method for your household
The next important step is the types of food scraps to use for the type of composting you’re going to tackle.
Ready to get started? Learn more about the two composting options below and pick the one that’s right for you.
The next important step is the types of food scraps to use for the type of composting you’re going to tackle.
- 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.
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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Tutorial Challenge
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In this tutorial you’ll set up a small-scale vermicompost bin that can be kept on a patio, or starter static compost pile in your backyard.
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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. |
