Composting 101: How to Reduce Food Waste and Enrich Your Garden

Composting is one of the most effective ways to reduce food waste, lower your environmental impact, and create nutrient-rich soil for your garden. Whether you're in Kelowna, Vernon, or Penticton, adopting sustainable composting practices can benefit both your home and the local environment. This guide will walk you through the basics of composting, common mistakes to avoid, and how to make the most of your organic waste in the Okanagan.

Why Compost?

• Reduces Landfill Waste: Organic waste makes up a significant portion of household garbage. Composting helps divert food scraps from landfills, reducing methane emissions.

• Improves Soil Health: Adding compost to your garden enhances soil structure, improves water retention, and provides essential nutrients for plants.

• Cuts Down on Chemical Fertilizers: Composting creates a natural, organic alternative to synthetic fertilizers, promoting a more eco-friendly garden.

• Supports Local Sustainability Efforts: Many Okanagan municipalities encourage composting to promote waste reduction and soil health.

Getting Started: Choosing the Right Composting Method

There are several composting methods suitable for different living spaces, from urban apartments to large rural properties:

1. Backyard Composting

Ideal for homeowners with outdoor space, backyard composting involves using a compost bin or pile to break down organic waste naturally.

• Best for: Gardeners, families, and anyone with a yard.

• How to Start: Choose a well-drained, shady spot in your yard and use a compost bin or an open pile.

  
  

2. Indoor Composting (Vermicomposting)

For those in apartments or homes with limited outdoor space, worm composting (vermicomposting) is an excellent solution.

• Best for: Apartment dwellers or small-space gardeners.

• How to Start: Use a worm bin with red wiggler worms to break down food scraps into nutrient-rich compost.

  
  

3. Municipal Green Bin Programs

Many Okanagan cities, including Kelowna and Penticton, offer compost collection services.

• Best for: Households that prefer curbside composting.

• How to Start: Use the city-provided green bin to dispose of compostable waste like food scraps, coffee grounds, and paper towels.

What Can You Compost?

Greens (Nitrogen-Rich Materials):

• Fruit and vegetable scraps

• Coffee grounds and tea leaves

• Grass clippings

• Eggshells

Browns (Carbon-Rich Materials):

• Dry leaves and straw

• Shredded paper and cardboard

• Wood chips and sawdust

Avoid Composting:

• Meat, dairy, and oily foods (can attract pests)

• Glossy or colored paper

• Pet waste

• Plastic, glass, or metal

Common Composting Mistakes and How to Fix Them

• Bad Odor? Add more brown materials like dry leaves or shredded paper to balance moisture.

• Too Dry? Sprinkle water to maintain the right moisture level.

• Pests in Your Compost? Avoid adding meats, dairy, and oily foods; always cover food scraps with brown materials.

• Compost Not Breaking Down? Ensure a good mix of greens and browns, and turn your compost pile regularly.

Using Finished Compost in Your Garden

Once your compost turns into dark, crumbly, soil-like material with an earthy smell, it’s ready to use!

• Mix into garden beds to enrich soil and improve plant health.

• Use as mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

• Add to potted plants to provide essential nutrients.

Composting is a simple yet powerful way to reduce food waste, support sustainability, and create nutrient-rich soil for your garden. Whether you're composting in your backyard, using a worm bin indoors, or utilizing a local green bin program, every effort helps build a greener Okanagan.