The constantly expanding urban population struggles to understand the proper method of waste disposal. One of the biggest problems we have is how to dispose of our everyday biodegradable waste. But with a little work and persistence, there are certain ways that this might be reduced.
Composting is becoming a more and more common way to handle biodegradable waste as urban terraces and balcony gardens expand. It provides nourishing organic fertilizer for your plant in addition to preventing organic waste from building up or ending up in landfills.
This is supported by Manjushree Ladiya, a Ghaziabad terrace gardener who has been composting all of her kitchen waste for the past four years.
"Composting is easier than most people realize. Compost, which has all the necessary nutrients for healthy plant growth, is simply created from regular kitchen waste,” the expert claims.
Manjushree has been producing many types of compost using various ingredients in separate containers. “Even though all forms of composts are prepared in the same way, the uses and advantages change depending on the ingredients,” according to the expert.
The simple and basic technique of making compost:
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Place a layer of leaves in a container.
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Add a layer of cocopeat.
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Fill it with kitchen waste, such as egg shells, coffee or tea grounds, vegetable or fruit peels, etc., and cover the container.
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Keep adding waste to the pile while occasionally opening the container and mixing it.
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To improve the compost's quality, mix in some cocopeat and jaggery water.
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Follow this procedure for about three months to create nutrient-rich compost that is ready to use.
Compost comes in a variety of forms with specific uses
Compost from garlic and onion peels
For composting, Manjushree has been gathering the peels of the onion and garlic in separate containers. She says, "The compost generated from onion and garlic peels is rich in potassium, an important nutrient for plants. It is particularly effective in promoting the growth of chilies and creates great compost.”
Banana peel compost
Banana peels are a common kitchen waste that is excellent for composting. Manjushree advises composting them separately for better outcomes, even if it is possible to compost them along with all other kitchen waste. She claims that because it is high in potash, it works well as a fertilizer for fruit trees and vegetable plants.
Compost made from tea leaves
She explains that it is preferable to compost used tea leaves rather than adding them to plants.
“Tea leaf compost is the best for flowering plants, especially roses, and composting improves its quality. Its growth and flowering would be boosted up by the addition of compost,” she claims.
Manjushree continues by saying that even a five-inch pot can be used to produce tea leaf compost. It takes around three months to be ready, just like any other compost.
Mosambi and orange peel compost
She advises processing the peels of oranges and mosambi separately because they take longer to compost.
"Since they are citrus fruits, the nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in their compost create a wonderful source for plant growth. They can also be utilized to create bio enzymes and liquid fertilizers,” she adds.
Mix Compost
Using all the other kitchen waste, such as vegetable peels and greens, Manjushree creates mixed compost. She advises avoiding adding cooked items or ingredients like ghee, oil, or salt.
She continues, "The compost is created by adding only raw vegetable waste and is appropriate for all types of plants.”
