9.7 How to make compost at home: How to identify and treat pests and diseases

Composting is a natural process of decomposing organic matter, which results in a nutrient-rich product known as compost. This can be used as fertilizer, improving soil quality and promoting healthy plant growth. Additionally, composting at home reduces the amount of waste that ends up in landfills, contributing to environmental sustainability.

Step by step for composting at home

Home composting is a simple process that requires just a few basic steps:

1. Choose a suitable location: The location should be easily accessible, with good drainage and protected from excessive rainfall. A shaded area is ideal, as direct sun exposure can dry out the compost and slow down the decomposition process.
2. Prepare Your Compost Bin: You can buy a commercial compost bin or make your own. A homemade compost bin can be made from a plastic bucket or a wooden box. Make sure the container has holes to allow for drainage and air circulation.
3. Add your compost materials: Composting requires a mix of nitrogen-rich "green" materials (such as fruit and vegetable scraps) and carbon-rich "brown" materials (such as dried leaves and cardboard). Avoid adding animal products such as meat and dairy as they can attract pests.
4. Keep compost moist and airy: Compost should be kept moist but not soggy. Aeration is important to supply oxygen to microorganisms that decompose organic matter. To do this, mix the compost regularly with a shovel or garden fork.
5. Use the compost: When the compost is dark and similar in texture to soil, it is ready to use. This usually takes 2-6 months, depending on conditions.

How to identify and treat pests and diseases

Maintaining a healthy garden requires constant attention to identifying and treating pests and diseases. Here are some tips:

1. Identify the signs: Pests usually leave visible signs, such as bitten leaves, stains or deformations. Diseases can cause discoloration, rotting or abnormal growth. If you notice any of these signs, it's time to take action.
2. Identify the pest or disease: Use a reference book or online resource to identify the pest or disease. Knowing exactly what you're dealing with is the first step to effectively treating it.
3. Use natural methods of control: There are many natural methods of controlling pests and diseases that do not harm the environment or human health. These include the introduction of natural predators, the use of organic insecticides and the practice of crop rotation.
4. Monitor regularly: Regular garden monitoring allows you to detect problems early and take action before they become serious. Also, remember that prevention is the best defense against pests and diseases.

In summary, home composting and natural pest and disease control are important practices for sustainable gardening. They not only help to improve the health of your garden, but also contribute to the protection of the environment.