Part I: Foundation

First, in order to begin composting you're going to gather, collect & save everyday, household items to achieve a compost chockful of beneficial elements - for pennies - by reusing what you already have!

Once you understand the basics of what makes that “black gold” so rich - saving the items will become second-nature. Once you realize the joys & simplicity of the process - you'll find yourself tending to your garden more than intended.  Once you begin seeing the growth of your hard work & dedication, it'll fuel the fire to keep going. Once you FEEL the benefits of what you grew - you'll be hooked.

By changing your daily habits of disposal - I doubt you'll ever feel the need to buy any manufactured organic compost or soil again. A better and more flavorful result occurs by utilizing the organic food, products, and activities we do daily.

I began to compost in 2012 - since, I haven't made a trip to any garden nurseries for soil or fertilizers; and definitely not any pesticides. I started really gardening then because I needed to save as much money after finally washing my hands from my job that made my life financially comfortable, but physically and mentally miserable. After rehabbing a run-down, poorly maintained storefront -, I opened up a quaint gallery in Chicago's southside neighborhood Bridgeport. But no one pays you to rehab your own place. I was so broke I couldn’t even pay attention.

I realized in order to continue doing the very low paying thing that I loved - that I would need to cut expenses in as many ways as possible. With gardening, not only are you saving money - but you're able to AFFORD the most organic produce ever! (well, you’re in charge of how “organic” you make it)

I've never understood why we pay more for genetically modified produce, compared to the simplest process of NOT using pesticides or adding anything to it. All you need to do is water it, make sure it has room to grow.

There are other ways to rid pests - such as planting other plants around them that those specific "pests" ((pests that are super important to our ecosystem)) do not prefer - naturally, without harming them.

There are a lot of things we’ve been doing wrong for decades, simply because we were taught and told that THIS is how you do it. Well, we are quickly learning how much of what we were conditioned to do and who we were conditioned to BE for “optimal” health - is not at all how we should be. What we’ve become accustomed to is actually doing quite the opposite to our health - which is a whole entirely separate discussion. But - Today! We are focusing on how to COMPOST!

AND! There are definitely some huge bonuses included with growing your own - whether you choose to start simple with herbs & succulents, or choose to go full out with a multi-tiered garden, aquaponics system! But, today we’re trying the simplest methods to help any household - no matter the income - to save money, eat better, feel better & learn how to grown your own from the ground up?! (pun intended)

 

Who's ready to get dirty ?!

First, let's start with the basics of what a plant needs so that you can make sure that it's receiving what it needs or adjust to specific growing requirements per plant.
Plants need the following nutrients to survive & thrive:((source))

• Carbon (C)
• Hydrogen (H) (Air & Water)
• Oxygen (O)
• Nitrogen (Air & Soil)

Below is from Composting: Three Major Nutrients:

• Phosphorous (P)
• Nitrogen (N)
• Potassium (K)

Secondary:

• Calcium (Ca)
• Magnesium (Mg)
• Sulfur (S)

Micronutrients or Trace Elements:

• Boron (B)
• Chlorine (CI)
• Copper (Cu)
• Iron (Fe)
• Manganese (Mn)
• Molybdenum (Mo)
• Zinc (Zn)
• Carbon Dioxide(Co2)

Nitrogen (N) is the main nutrient for strong, vigorous growth, good leaf color, and photosynthesis.  Plants that are almost all leaf (such as lawn grasses) need plenty of nitrogen, so the first number in fertilizers for lawns is especially high because grass must continuously renew itself after mowing.  The higher the number, the more nitrogen the fertilizer provides.
Phosphorous (P) promotes root development which helps strengthen plants.  It also increases blooms on flowers and the ripening of seeds and fruit.  Lots of phosphorous is great for bulbs, perennials, and newly planted trees and shrubs. They depend on strong roots, so fertilizers meant for these plants often have high middle numbers.
Potassium (K) improves the overall health of plants. It helps them withstand very hot or cold weather, defend against diseases, helps fruit formation, photosynthesis, and the uptake of other nutrients.  Potassium works along with Nitrogen so if you add nitrogen to the soil, it is important to add potassium at the same time. Most soils already have some potassium, so the third number in the fertilizer analysis is usually smaller than the other two. Fertilizers for some tropical plants, especially palms, contain extra potassium because these plants have a special need for it.

Secondary Nutrients:

Calcium (Ca) is important for general plant vigor and promotes good growth of young roots and shoots.  Calcium also helps to build cell walls.

Magnesium (Mg) helps regulate uptake of other plant foods and aids in seed formation. As it is contained in Chlorophyll, it is also important in the dark green color of plants and for the ability of a plant to manufacture food from sunlight.

Sulfur (S) helps maintain a dark green color while encouraging more vigorous plant growth.  Sulfur is needed to manufacture Chlorophyll.

Trace Elements:

Boron (B) helps in cell development and helps to regulate plant metabolism.
Chlorine (CI) is involved in photosynthesis.
Copper (Cu) helps plants to metabolize nitrogen.
Iron (Fe) assists in the manufacture of chlorophyll and other biochemical processes.
Manganese (Mn) is needed for chlorophyll production.
Molybdenum (Mo) helps plants to use nitrogen.
Zinc (Zn) is used in development of enzymes and hormones.  It is used by the leaves and needed by legumes to form seeds.

Sources:  Gardener's Desk Reference; Complete Guide to Florida Gardening

Be sure to do your own in-depth research for any questions you may have - I simply researched online to find the list above, but I would advise to read more here, via the original source. 

Now that we’ve understood the necessities needed to make your rich compost - lets begin with a simple-prep ingredient that most households have!

 Coffee!