Composting isn’t just for those with sprawling backyards and big outdoor piles. If you’re looking to compost in a small space, indoors, or even in an apartment, there are innovative systems that fit your needs. Here are five composting methods to consider, complete with how they work, their benefits, and options to get started.
1. Bokashi Composting
Best for: Indoor spaces, small spaces, or apartments with no outdoor access.
How it works: Bokashi composting is an anaerobic (oxygen-free) method that ferments food scraps using inoculated bran or sawdust. It’s one of the few methods that can handle meat, dairy, and other tricky food items. Scraps are layered with bran in an airtight bucket, sealed, and left to ferment. After two weeks, the pre-compost can be buried in soil, planters, or garden beds to complete decomposition.
Getting started:
Purchase: Bokashi starter kits, which include buckets and bran, are widely available online and in gardening stores.
DIY: Make your own Bokashi bin using an airtight container and purchase Bokashi bran separately.
Benefits:
Compact and odorless.
Processes all types of food waste.
Produces a nutrient-rich material for soil.
2. Electric Composters (Food Recycler Machines)
Best for: Busy households, apartments, or homes with limited space.
How it works: These countertop appliances use grinding, heat, and dehydration to break down food waste. In just a few hours, they reduce waste volume by up to 90%, producing a dry, soil-like material that can be used as a garden amendment.
Getting started:
Purchase: Several brands offer ready-to-use models that require minimal effort, including Vitamix, Vego, Govee, and the original, Lomi.
DIY: This method isn’t DIY-friendly but provides a convenient plug-and-play solution.
Benefits:
Quick and efficient.
Minimal space required.
Handles tough scraps like bones and dairy.
3. In-Garden Composting (Trench or Pit Composting)
Best for: Gardeners with small yards.
How it works: This straightforward method involves burying food scraps directly in the soil, where microorganisms break them down naturally. Dig a trench or pit about 12-18 inches deep, deposit your scraps, and cover with soil. Over time, this enriches the soil in place.
Getting started:
Purchase: No specialized tools are needed—just a shovel.
DIY: This method is inherently DIY and requires no additional setup.
Benefits:
Simple and low-tech.
Enriches soil directly.
No need for additional equipment.
4. Blender Composting (Food Scrap Smoothie)
Best for: Apartment dwellers with no outdoor space or those looking for a quick solution.
How it works: Using a high-powered blender, food scraps are blended into a slurry. This slurry can then be added directly to garden beds, pots, or soil, accelerating decomposition since the scraps are already broken down into small particles.
Getting started:
Purchase: A high-powered blender capable of handling food waste is essential.
DIY: Use your existing blender but avoid tough items like bones, pits, and fibrous materials that could damage the blades.
Benefits:
Fast and efficient.
No waiting period.
Great for small spaces.
5. Compost Bucket
Best for: Those seeking a low-cost, scalable system.
How it works: A 5-gallon bucket (or a similar-sized container) is drilled with small holes for aeration. Layer the bucket with sticks or dowels at the bottom to prevent clogging, followed by alternating layers of greens (e.g., food scraps) and browns (e.g., dried leaves, newspaper). Once the bucket is about ¾ full, seal it, roll it occasionally to mix, and leave it in a sunny spot to decompose. Within 6-8 weeks, you’ll have ready-to-use compost.
Getting started:
Purchase: Repurpose a bucket with a lid, 5-gallons or larger.
DIY: Drill holes in the bucket yourself and assemble the layers as described.
Benefits:
Affordable and simple.
Scalable—use multiple buckets if needed.
Produces nutrient-rich compost without odors.
Tips: Place the bucket on soil to allow leachate to drain and attract helpful worms.
Choosing the Right Method
Each composting system has unique benefits, so consider your space, lifestyle, and type of food waste. Whether you’re in a small apartment or have a modest yard, these composting solutions make it possible to turn food scraps into valuable soil amendments. Start composting today—it’s an easy step toward reducing waste and enriching your garden!
Your Friend in the Garden,
Karin
