Waste Not, Want Not
Hey Garden Gang,
Johannesburg is currently facing some serious challenges when it comes to our landfills. As we see the city’s waste management systems under pressure, there has never been a better time to take control of what leaves our gardens and kitchens.
Did you know that organic waste—the peels, cores, and leftovers—is actually a misplaced resource? When sent to a landfill, it rots without oxygen, producing harmful methane gas. But when managed at home, it can become fuel for your garden.
I believe in doing my part to solve the waste problem and I want to share it with you, in the hope that you might become more conscious of the waste you produce and dispose of. Here is how you can lighten the load on Joburg’s infrastructure while nourishing your soil.
1. Traditional Cold Composting
This is the "set it and forget it" method. If you have a bit of space in your garden, a compost heap or a simple plastic bin is the perfect place for fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and garden clippings.
How it works: You layer "greens" (nitrogen-rich food scraps) with "browns" (carbon-rich dried leaves or shredded paper).
The Result: Over several months, nature does the work, breaking everything down into crumbly, dark compost.
This is a slow process but it works - you will get compost after some time. Just remember to turn the pile to give it oxygen and water it if it gets dry.
2. Bokashi: The Small-Space Game Changer
If you live in a flat, lack garden space or don't like the idea of an outdoor heap, Bokashi is a good option. It’s a Japanese method that uses "effective microorganisms" (EM) to ferment your waste.
Why it’s special: Unlike traditional composting, you can put meat, dairy, and cooked food into a Bokashi bin.
The Process: You place your scraps in a specialised airtight bucket, sprinkle a layer of Bokashi bran over them, and press it down. It pickles the waste rather than rotting it.
Top Tip: The liquid you drain from the bottom (Bokashi tea) is an incredible liquid fertiliser for your indoor plants!
Bokashi is a form of pre-composting, so you may find that you need to compost this waste further in a compost pile. Still, this is worth considering because you can compost non-vegan food waste.
3. Vermicomposting (Earthworm Farms)
Earthworms are hard workers. I would know, since I’ve been farming them at home for a few months now for vermicompost, and I have nothing but good things to say about those red wigglers. Earthworms eat your food scraps and turn them into castings (earthworm poop), which is a fantastic fertiliser.
Best for: Small families or those with limited garden space.
What to avoid: Food scraps with a strong odour like citrus, onions, or garlic. I also avoid cooked food – vegan waste seems to work well for this lot.
Simple Ways to Limit Waste Before it Starts
Managing waste is great, but limiting it is even better! Try these three simple habits:
Shop with a List: It sounds basic, but it prevents those "what was I thinking?" purchases that end up wilting in the fridge or rotting in the cupboard.
Grow your own food: where possible, grow your own produce so you don’t have to buy it packaged.
Eat Your Leftovers: Embrace "fridge forage" nights where you turn yesterday's roasted veg into today’s frittata or soup. Get creative with your menu! And if you can’t eat the leftovers, then compost them using bokashi.
Coming Soon: I’m starting Bokashi
I know that Bokashi can seem a little intimidating at first—how much bran do you use? Does it smell? What do you do with the waste once the bucket is full? To help you get started, I am pleased to announce that I will be sharing a video on Bokashi soon
Let's do our bit for our city and our home gardens. By keeping our organics out of the bin, we aren't just managing waste—we are growing a greener future for Joburg.
Happy composting!
#OrganicGardeningSA #HomeComposting #UrbanGardening #UrbanWasteManagement