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==Composting Process== To make compost in a small-scale food garden: *Choose a composting method and set up your bin, tumbler, or vermicomposting system. *Collect and prepare your green and brown materials, chopping or shredding them into smaller pieces to accelerate decomposition. *Layer or mix the green and brown materials in your chosen system, ensuring good moisture levels (like a wrung-out sponge) and aeration. *Turn or mix the compost regularly (every 1-2 weeks) to promote aeration and even decomposition. *Monitor the temperature, moisture, and odor of the compost, adjusting the materials or turning frequency as needed. *When the compost is dark, crumbly, and has an earthy smell, it is ready to use in the garden. ===Using Compost in the Garden=== Compost can be used in various ways to benefit your small-scale food garden: *'''[[Soil amendment|Soil incorporation]]''': Before planting, mix mature compost into the top 6-12 inches of soil to improve fertility and structure. *'''[[Mulch|Top dressing]]''': Apply a 1-2 inch layer of compost around established plants to suppress weeds, retain moisture, and slowly release nutrients. *'''[[Potting soil|Potting mix]]''': Create a nutrient-rich potting mix by combining equal parts compost, [[Peat|peat moss]] or [[Coconut fiber|coconut coir]], and [[Perlite|perlite]] or [[Vermiculite|vermiculite]]. *'''[[Compost tea]]''': Brew a liquid fertilizer by steeping compost in water, then use it to water plants or apply it as a foliar spray. ===Troubleshooting=== Common composting problems and solutions: *'''Odor:''' Strong, unpleasant odors indicate an imbalance in materials or poor aeration. Add more brown materials and turn the pile more frequently. *'''Slow decomposition''': If the composting process is slow, the pile may be too dry, too wet, or lacking nitrogen. Adjust moisture levels, add more green materials, and turn the pile more often. *'''Pests''': To deter pests, such as rodents or flies, avoid adding meat, dairy, or oily foods to the compost. Cover the pile with a layer of brown materials or use a closed composting system. By making and using compost in suburban gardens or small food-producing plots, gardeners can create a closed-loop system that reduces waste, improves soil health, and supports thriving, sustainable food gardens.
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