Introduction: Nature’s cycle in your own garden

Anyone involved in gardening — whether it’s an ornamental city garden or a thriving vegetable patch — knows how important healthy, nutrient-rich soil is. But how can you ensure that sustainably and affordably? Composting is the answer. This natural method of turning kitchen and garden waste into fertile humus is rapidly gaining popularity in Flanders and the Netherlands. And rightly so: composting is not only good for your plants, but also for your wallet and the environment.

In this blog, we’ll explain what composting is, how it works, what benefits it offers, and how you can start composting in your garden or vegetable plot today.

What is composting?

Composting is the controlled breakdown of organic material — like food scraps, leaves, and garden waste — by microorganisms, fungi, and worms. During this natural process, compost is formed: a crumbly, dark substance rich in nutrients that you can use as a soil improver.

This process is a perfect example of a small-scale circular economy: your green waste is given a second life as food for your garden.

Synonyms and related terms

The term "composting" is also referred to as:

• organic recycling
• humus production
• natural fertilization
• garden cycle

All these terms revolve around the same principle: turning waste into value.

Why is composting important?

1. Reduces household waste

On average, 40% of household waste consists of organic material. By composting, you significantly reduce your residual waste, which leads to lower waste processing volumes and cost savings on collection fees.

According to a study by OVAM, a family can save up to 150 kg of waste annually by actively composting.

2. Enriches the soil

Compost contains essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium that plants need to grow. It also improves soil structure, allowing better water retention and root development.

3. Supports the natural cycle

By returning organic material to the soil, you mimic nature’s cycle. This eliminates the need for artificial fertilizers and contributes to a healthier ecosystem.

How does composting work?

The 4-phase process

• Start-up phase – Bacteria begin breaking down easily digestible substances (sugars, starches).
• Thermophilic phase – Activity increases and temperature rises to 60–70°C. Weed seeds and pathogens are destroyed.
• Cooling phase – Fungi and insects break down tougher materials.
• Maturation phase – Compost stabilizes and transforms into humus.

Well-composted material smells like forest soil, not rot or ammonia.

What can go into the compost pile?

Allowed:

• Fruit, vegetable, and garden waste (VGG)
• Eggshells
• Coffee grounds and tea bags
• Leaves, twigs
• Unpainted prunings
• Ink-free cardboard

Not allowed:

• Cooked food
• Meat and fish
• Dairy products
• Colored or glossy paper
• Diseased plants or aggressive weeds (e.g. couch grass)

The benefits of composting in your garden or vegetable patch

1. Saves money

Composting is free. Instead of buying expensive fertilizers and soil improvers, you use what you already have: kitchen and garden waste. It also lowers your waste bill, especially if you pay by weight.

2. Environmentally responsible

By producing less waste, you reduce CO₂ emissions from incineration and transportation. Composting is local, quiet, and efficient.

3. Healthier soil life

Compost is full of beneficial microorganisms that support soil biology. Healthy soils retain moisture better — an advantage during dry spells. In vegetable gardens, this results in stronger plants and better yields.

4. Reduced risk of disease

Strong plants are more resistant to fungi and diseases. Compost boosts natural resistance, reducing the need for pesticides.

5. Your own circular ecosystem

Making compost helps you see nature differently. You learn to observe, plan, and understand how everything is connected — from soil worms to tomatoes on your plate.

Practical tips for composting in the garden

Choose the right composting spot

• Partial shade: prevents drying out
• Directly on soil: good for drainage and contact with soil organisms
• Out of the wind: to avoid dehydration

Use a compost bin or compost heap

A compost bin is ideal for small gardens. For larger gardens, compost bins or open heaps are more practical.

Maintain the right balance: Brown and green materials

A successful compost pile has both “green” (moist, nitrogen-rich materials like fruit scraps) and “brown” materials (dry, carbon-rich like leaves and cardboard). The ideal ratio is about 1:3 (green:brown).

Turn regularly

Turning every few weeks introduces oxygen and prevents odor. It also speeds up composting.

Small-scale composting: for balconies or kitchens

No garden? No problem. Consider a worm bin or bokashi bucket. These methods make indoor or balcony composting possible.

• Worm bins are compact, odorless, and produce liquid plant food (worm tea).
• Bokashi is a fermentation process using a starter (EM) to turn organic waste into pre-compost.

Real-life stories: customers on composting

“Since I started composting, my vegetable garden has come alive. The harvest is larger and healthier.” – Evelien from Ghent

“I save dozens of euros every year on fertilizer. And it feels great to produce less waste.” – Jan from Tilburg

These stories show that composting is accessible to everyone — from city dwellers to rural gardeners.

Scientific support and trends

According to a 2023 report from the European Commission, home composting reduces methane emissions from waste processing by an average of 27%. Research from Wageningen University shows that compost can increase organic matter in soil by up to 30% within 5 years.

Composting is therefore good not only for your garden, but also for the climate.

Common composting mistakes (and how to avoid them)

• Bad smell? → Too wet or too much kitchen waste. Add more brown material like straw or cardboard.
• No compost forming? → Too dry or too cold. Turn the pile, moisten it, and add nitrogen-rich material.
• Pests? → Avoid food scraps like meat or dairy. Cover the pile well.

How Doika supports successful composting

• A wide range of compost bins, barrels, and accessories
• Customer-focused blogs and tips for both beginners and experts
• Fast delivery & expert service with 90-day return policy
• Eco-friendly products, from compostable buckets to natural garden tools

Conclusion: Composting is the future of sustainable gardening

Composting isn’t difficult — it’s a logical step for anyone who wants to live and garden consciously. You save money, improve your soil, and help the environment. It also brings you closer to nature. The benefits are clear, and the threshold is low.

Start composting today

Ready to start composting in your garden or kitchen today? Discover our carefully selected range at Doika. You’ll find everything you need: from compost bins to smart composting accessories and handy starter kits.

Choose a greener garden and a healthier planet — with Doika.

• Share on:
• WhatsApp
• Deel
• X
• Pin it
• Messenger
• Email

---