Indoor composting Techniques and Tips

What is the Indoor Composting?

Indoor Composting is a great way to recycle kitchen scraps and other organic waste into nutrient-rich compost without the need for an outdoor compost pile. It's an ideal solution for people who live in apartments, condos, or areas with limited outdoor space.

Here are some indoor composting techniques to get you started

1. Vermicomposting (Worm Composting):**

vermicomposting   uses composting worms, such as red wigglers, to break down organic waste quickly. Worms consume the kitchen scraps, and their castings (excrement) create nutrient-rich compost. To start vermicomposting, you'll need a worm bin with proper ventilation and bedding materials like shredded newspaper or cardboard. Add kitchen scraps like fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and crushed eggshells. Avoid adding meat, dairy, oily, or overly acidic foods.

2. **Bokashi Composting:**

   Bokashi Composting is a fermentation process that can handle a wider range of food waste, including meat, dairy, and cooked food. You'll need a specialized bokashi composting bucket and a bokashi bran mix that contains beneficial microorganisms. When you add food waste to the bucket, sprinkle a layer of bokashi bran on top. The microorganisms will ferment the waste, so it doesn't decompose or smell. Once the bucket is full, bury the fermented waste in an outdoor compost pile or dig it into the soil.

3. **Compost Tumblers:**

   Indoor Compost tumblers are designed to compost waste quickly and efficiently. These containers have aeration vents and a mechanism to turn the compost, providing aeration and speeding up the decomposition process. Fill the tumbler with a mix of green (fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds) and brown materials (shredded paper, cardboard), and turn it regularly to aerate the compost.

4. Bokashi + Vermicomposting Combo:**

   You can combine Bokashi and vermicomposting for an efficient indoor composting system. First, ferment your food waste using the  method. Once the bokashi bucket is full, bury the fermented waste in your vermicomposting bin to let the worms further break down the materials and turn them into nutrient-rich compost.

5.Indoor Compost Piles:

   If you have a bit more space indoors, you can create a small compost pile using a compost bin or container. Use a mix of green and brown materials, and occasionally turn the pile to provide aeration. However, be mindful of any potential odor issues and consider using a compost bin with a lid to control smells.

Tips for Successful Indoor Composting:

- Chop food scraps into smaller pieces to speed up decomposition.

- Balance green materials (nitrogen-rich) with brown materials (carbon-rich) to maintain a healthy compost pile.

- Keep the compost moist but not soggy. Sprinkle water as needed to ensure proper decomposition.

- Avoid adding pet waste, diseased plants, and treated wood to your indoor compost.

Remember that indoor composting may produce some odor, especially during initial decomposition. Proper maintenance and balance in your composting system will help minimize any smells.