Why I Started Composting: A Journey into Sustainable Gardening

Composting is a practice that has become increasingly popular in recent years, not only as a way to manage organic waste but also as a means to enhance soil health and plant growth. In this article, I'll share my personal journey into composting and how it transformed my approach to gardening and waste management.

Introduction to Composting

My foray into composting began long before I started my own garden. Living in a shared rented house, me and my roommates decided to grow some vegetables in our garden. To ensure the success of our garden, we started a compost heap, specifically for vegetable waste from the kitchen. I was introduced to composting by my parents, who had always done it, and I quickly realized that it was the best way to ensure good crops while minimizing waste.

The Importance of Composting

Composting plays a vital role in sustainable waste management and gardening. One of its primary benefits is the creation of nutritionally dense food. Plants grow through symbiotic relationships with fungi called mycorrhizal, which extract minerals and provide nutrients. There are numerous types of mycorrhizal fungi, each with a specific function. Some fungi extract essential minerals from the soil, while others provide antibiotics to plants under stress.

Composting breaks down organic matter into nutrient-rich soil, promoting healthy plant growth. When managed correctly, compost can serve as a rich source of mycorrhizal fungi, helping to inoculate the soil and improve plant performance. It's important to note that the benefits of soil inoculation through composting are temporary, lasting only a few years, after which indigenous mycorrhizal fungi may outcompete the introduced varieties. Therefore, regular application of compost is necessary, ideally yearly.

Personal Journey into Composting

While I may not have been a farmer or directly involved in agriculture, two hobbies of mine led me to start composting:

Hobby 1: Waste Management

My first hobby was one of turning waste into a valuable resource. I enjoyed creating artificial flowers using corn husk, which served as a fun and interesting project to engage my friends in a guessing game about the real flower. This hobby taught me the art of upcycling waste into something beautiful and useful.

Hobby 2: Gardening

My second hobby was gardening, where I grew organic herbs like mint and hibiscus. I realized that plants need compost for healthy and quick growth. This led me to learn how to compost using kitchen waste and dried leaves at home instead of relying on market-bought compost. By turning waste into valuable resources, I felt a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.

Conclusion

Composting is not just a waste management practice, but it's also a crucial step towards sustainable gardening. By harnessing the power of mycorrhizal fungi and reducing waste, we can promote healthier soil and more nutritious plant produce. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or just starting out, incorporating composting into your routine can make a significant impact.