Compost is a great helper for every gardener, but not everything you have left over in the kitchen really belongs in it. Some waste can cause more harm than good. And especially cooked food and fats can attract uninvited visitors from a wide area.
Many people think of compost as a safe place to throw almost any organic waste. Vegetable peelings, grass clippings or fallen leaves are ideal for compost. But as soon as lunch leftovers, sauces or used fat appear among them, problems begin to appear. Such material does not break down properly and can disrupt the entire composting process.
Mature compost is a valuable source of nutrients that improves soil structure and promotes healthy plant growth. Watch the following video to learn how to identify properly matured compost and how to best use it in your garden:
Why cooked food does not belong in the compost
At first glance, it may seem that leftovers from cooked meals are just as “natural” as raw vegetables. However, they actually decompose in a different way. They also contain salt, spices, fats and other ingredients that can negatively affect the environment inside.
An even bigger problem is their aroma. Cooked food naturally emits odors that are very attractive to many animals. Leftovers from meat, sauces or fried food can attract rodents, martens and other pests, who can turn the compost into an unwanted feast in a short time.
But fats also cause problems. These decompose slowly in the compost and can form impermeable layers that prevent air from entering. The result is an odor and slow decomposition of other organic material. Instead of high-quality compost, an unpleasant substance is created, which only causes the gardener unnecessary worries.
What can happen if you break the rules
If cooked residues and fats get into the compost repeatedly, the risk of pests increases. In addition, they can return regularly and look for another source of food. Once they get used to your compost, their removal tends to be much more difficult.
In addition to pests, there is also a risk of deterioration in the quality of the resulting compost. Proper compost needs a balanced ratio of materials and enough air. However, an excess of fatty or cooked residues disrupts and slows down this process. Instead of a valuable fertilizer, you get a material that will not have all the expected properties.
Compost benefits from simplicity
Compost works best when suitable natural materials go into it. Peels from fruits and vegetables, grass or crushed twigs are much better choices than leftovers from ready meals. Thanks to this, the decomposition will take place correctly, the compost will not smell and your garden will avoid the visits of unwelcome pests.
