Many people who grow vegetables and fruits in their gardens also use compost. This is partially decomposed organic matter, which is an easily accessible nutrient for plants. Certainly, it does not completely replace conventional fertilization, but its effectiveness is undeniable. The problem, however, is that few people know exactly what is appropriate for compost and what is not. Put the wrong things in it, and it can easily be ruined. So what is appropriate for a compost pile?
First of all, it must be pure organic material. Even if it is food, plastic packaging should never be put in it. This is also true for stickers on apples and bananas, for example, which are prone to tampering, and these should also be thoroughly removed beforehand.
Care should also be taken to ensure that the material is not soaked or painted with toxic substances. An example is painted wood. While wood itself is suitable for composting, it cannot be dyed or varnished. This is because the toxic substances in the paint or varnish will mix with the compost.
Not all organic residues belong in compost, however. Ideally, they should be raw products. Cooking vegetables not only results in the loss of vitamins, but also changes their structure.
Furthermore, meat and meat products are not included. These decompose very quickly and are not a beneficial method for composting. Thus, although organic and natural, they are not at all suitable for this purpose.
What does good compost look like? Compost should have a uniform, loose texture and a pleasant aroma reminiscent of forest soil. If it starts to smell funny, or if instead of black clods you get literal sludge or hard lumps, it is clear that you have put in something that should not have been put in. In this case, you have to start over again.