Composting is one of the most effective and eco-friendly ways to enrich your soil, recycle kitchen and garden waste, and reduce your environmental footprint. By making your own compost at home, you create a nutrient-rich fertilizer that improves soil structure, boosts plant growth, and supports a healthier garden ecosystem.
In this guide, we’ll cover the basics of composting, what materials to use, how to balance them, and tips for producing high-quality compost that will keep your plants thriving.
Why composting is essential for your garden
Nutrient boost: Compost adds nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and micronutrients in a natural, slow-release form.
Improved soil structure: Helps sandy soils retain water and loosens heavy clay soils.
Supports beneficial microbes: Encourages the presence of earthworms and microorganisms essential for healthy plant growth.
Sustainability: Diverts organic waste from landfills, reducing methane emissions.
If you’re starting a vegetable garden, pairing compost with high-quality seeds like those in the vegetables category ensures better germination and stronger plants.
What you need to start composting
1. A compost bin or pile
You can use a commercial compost bin, build your own with pallets, or simply create a pile in a shaded area of your yard. Choose a location with good drainage and easy access.
2. Green materials (high in nitrogen)
Fruit and vegetable scraps
Coffee grounds and tea leaves
Fresh grass clippings
Plant trimmings
3. Brown materials (high in carbon)
Dry leaves
Shredded cardboard or paper
Straw or hay
Small branches or wood chips
A healthy compost pile needs both greens and browns in balance for proper decomposition.
The key: balancing greens and browns
The ideal compost has roughly 2–3 parts brown materials for every 1 part green materials. Too many greens can cause odor, while too many browns slow the process.
Layer materials alternately, starting with browns at the bottom to improve aeration. For example, you could combine kitchen scraps with shredded leaves from pruning plants like those in the herbs category.
How to maintain your compost
Turn regularly: Aerate your pile every 1–2 weeks to speed decomposition.
Keep it moist: The pile should feel like a wrung-out sponge. Add water in dry periods.
Chop materials: Smaller pieces decompose faster.
Monitor temperature: A healthy compost pile heats up to 55–65°C (131–149°F), killing weed seeds and pathogens.
When is compost ready?
Compost is ready when it’s dark, crumbly, and smells earthy. Depending on materials, temperature, and maintenance, this can take anywhere from 2–6 months. Finished compost can be applied:
Before planting: Mix into the topsoil to prepare beds for seeds such as those in the root vegetables category.
As mulch: Spread around established plants to retain moisture.
For potting mixes: Blend with soil for container gardening.
Common composting problems and solutions
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Bad odor | Too many greens or poor aeration | Add more browns and turn pile more often |
| Pile too dry | Not enough moisture | Water evenly while turning |
| Decomposition too slow | Lack of nitrogen or small particles | Add more greens and chop materials |
Frequently asked questions
Can I compost in a small apartment?
Yes, you can use a worm bin (vermicomposting) or a bokashi system indoors. These methods are odor-controlled and compact.
Can I add weeds to my compost pile?
Yes, but only before they set seed. If composting at high temperatures, seeds will be destroyed; otherwise, avoid mature weeds.
How often should I turn my compost?
Every 1–2 weeks is ideal. Frequent turning ensures even decomposition and prevents odors.