Lifestyle

Vikki Gerrard Shares How To Start An Eco-Friendly Home Composting System

Published

2 years ago

August 17, 2023

The world is facing a major environmental crisis, and it’s our responsibility to do what we can. We can do our part by starting an eco-friendly home composting system. Composting is a simple and effective way to reduce waste and create nutrient-rich soil for your garden. The expert, Vikki Gerrard La Crosse WI has some tips for you. This blog post, La Crosse WI, will share nine ways to start an eco-friendly home composting system.

Choose a Composting Method That Works for You:

Several composting methods include traditional composting, vermicomposting, and hot composting. Each method has pros and cons, so choose one that works for your needs and lifestyle. For example, if you have limited space, vermicomposting (using worms) might be better than traditional composting. Therefore, carefully considering which method would work best for your home is essential.

Gather the Right Materials:

For a successful composting system, you’ll need a few basic materials such as organic materials like food scraps, leaves, grass clippings, and animal manure; a bin or container; and a supply of air. Depending on your composting system, you may need additional materials, such as bedding, for vermicomposting.

Pick the Right Location:

Your compost bin needs to be in a location that is easily accessible but also out of the way. You don’t want it in a high-traffic area, but it also needs to be convenient enough that you’ll use it regularly. It should also be in a spot that receives sunlight but isn’t too hot.

One way to get started is by sectioning off a corner in your yard using wood or plastic bins.

Add the Right Materials:

Composting requires a mix of “green” and “brown” materials. Green materials include vegetable and fruit scraps, while brown materials include leaves, sawdust, and newspaper. It’s important to add the right mix of materials to your compost bin to keep it balanced. Too much of one type of material can lead to a smelly, slow-to-mature compost.

For example, adding too much grass clippings can create an environment that’s too wet and lead to mold or fungus growth.

Stir Regularly:

For your compost pile to break down efficiently, you’ll need to stir it regularly. You don’t need any special equipment – a pitchfork or shovel will do the trick – but stirring helps move oxygen throughout the pile, which helps to break down the materials and create compost faster.

You can also add water to your compost pile, but be careful not to overdo it. Too much water can create an environment that’s too wet, leading to mold or fungus growth.

Avoid Certain Foods:

While many food scraps are great for composting, there are some foods you should avoid. These include meats, dairy products, oils, and fats. These items can attract rodents and other pests, and they can also slow down the decomposition process.

On the other hand, you can add eggshells, coffee grounds, and tea bags, as these are all excellent sources of nutrients for your compost.

Maintain Your Compost Bin:

To keep your composting system running smoothly, you’ll need to maintain your compost bin. This means turning the compost regularly to help it break down more quickly and adding water to keep it moist. You’ll also need to keep an eye on the level of your compost bin – if it’s too full, you’ll need to start a new bin or find ways to use the compost you already have.

Use Your Compost:

Once your compost is ready, you can use it to fertilize your garden. This nutrient-rich soil is excellent for plants and can help reduce the need for chemical fertilizers. You can also use it for potted plants or give it to friends and family.

Another way to use your compost is by donating it to local farms. Many small-scale farmers require nutrient-rich soil and would be happy to take your compost off your hands.

Troubleshoot Common Problems:

While composting is a relatively simple process, there can be some issues you’ll need to troubleshoot. These can include problems like odors, pests, and slow decomposition. To troubleshoot these issues, you may need to adjust the mix of materials you’re adding to your compost bin or change the location of the bin.

Additionally, you may need to ensure your compost pile is getting enough air or add some water to help speed up the decomposition process.

Conclusion:

Vikki Gerrard La Crosse WI understands that starting an eco-friendly home composting system doesn’t have to be complicated. By following these nine tips, you can create nutrient-rich soil for your garden and do your part to reduce waste. Remember to choose a composting method that works for you, add the right materials, avoid certain foods, maintain your compost bin, use your compost, and troubleshoot common problems. You can contribute to a healthier planet with little time and effort.

Lifestyle

Houseplant Styling Mistakes to Avoid in Home Décor

Published

2 days ago

November 16, 2025

Michelle Langton

Bringing greenery indoors can instantly elevate a space — adding warmth, texture, and a sense of calm. However, styling houseplants successfully requires more than simply popping a fern in a corner and hoping for the best. From mismatched plant selections to poor placement and neglecting scale, even the most well-intentioned plant lovers can make styling missteps. Before you dive into your next indoor plant arrangement, it’s worth understanding the most common mistakes to avoid.

Whether you’re new to indoor greenery or a seasoned plant parent, brands like Hello Botanical make it easy to find the perfect plants and gifts that complement your interior style — but knowing how to display them properly will make all the difference.

Overcrowding Your Space with Too Many Plants
While it’s tempting to fill every available surface with greenery, too many plants can make your space feel cluttered and overwhelming. Each plant deserves breathing room to grow and be appreciated. Instead of bunching them together, try grouping a few in varying heights or textures for balance. A single large plant in a corner can make a stronger design statement than ten small ones scattered everywhere.

Ignoring Light Conditions
Aesthetics shouldn’t be your only consideration when placing plants. Many indoor plant styling mistakes stem from ignoring light needs. Some species, like fiddle leaf figs and succulents, crave bright indirect light, while others, such as snake plants or peace lilies, thrive in low-light corners. Assess the natural light in each room before choosing plants, and remember that not every green beauty will thrive on your coffee table or bathroom shelf.

Choosing the Wrong Pot or Planter
A pot isn’t just a decorative accessory — it affects your plant’s health and your home’s design balance. A mismatched or undersized pot can look awkward, while one without drainage can cause root rot. Select planters that complement your home’s aesthetic and suit each plant’s needs. Neutral ceramics, woven baskets, or textured terracotta pots can enhance the overall décor while allowing your greenery to shine.

Neglecting Scale and Proportion
One of the easiest ways to make a room look unbalanced is by ignoring scale. A tiny plant on a large table can feel lost, while an oversized monstera can overwhelm a small living room. Consider the proportions of your furniture and space before selecting plants. Taller plants like palms or rubber trees add height and drama, while trailing species such as pothos or string of pearls can soften shelves and hanging corners beautifully.

Forgetting to Mix Textures and Colours
Just as you’d layer textures and tones in your furnishings, apply the same principle to your plant styling. Combining different leaf shapes, shades of green, and plant structures creates visual interest. Pair glossy leaves with matte ones, upright plants with cascading varieties, and bold tropicals with delicate ferns. A well-curated mix feels intentional rather than chaotic.

Over-Decorating Around Your Plants
Plants are statement-makers in their own right. Surrounding them with too many decorative objects — candles, vases, or trinkets — can detract from their natural beauty. Let the greenery breathe and become a focal point. A simple setup often feels more elegant and modern than a crowded display.

Forgetting Functionality in Key Spaces
While plants bring undeniable style, practicality matters too. Avoid placing trailing vines where they’ll get tangled in workspace cords or near entryways where they can be knocked over. Similarly, keep moisture-loving plants away from electronics and ensure any planters with drainage are placed on trays to protect your floors and furniture.

Ignoring Consistency Across Your Home
Houseplants look their best when they contribute to a cohesive theme. Instead of choosing random species for each room, think about your home’s overall design. Are you going for a minimalist, Scandinavian aesthetic or something more lush and tropical? Repeating a few plant types or pot styles throughout creates unity and flow.

Overlooking Plant Care as Part of the Design
No matter how beautifully you style your plants, unhealthy or neglected greenery can spoil the look. Regular pruning, wiping leaves, and rotating pots to ensure even growth are key parts of maintaining your interior aesthetic. Healthy, thriving plants add vibrancy and life that no artificial décor can replicate.

Forgetting That Less Can Be More
Finally, remember that plants should enhance your décor, not dominate it. A few strategically placed, well-cared-for plants can transform a home far more effectively than a jungle of mismatched greenery. Focus on quality over quantity, and choose each plant intentionally to fit your style, lighting, and lifestyle.

When styled thoughtfully, houseplants can turn a space into a peaceful, inviting sanctuary

Avoiding these common mistakes helps you highlight their beauty while keeping your interiors cohesive and clutter-free. Whether you’re refreshing a single room or curating a lush indoor garden, start small, observe what works, and grow your collection with care.