Beginner's Guide to Composting

Composting is a fantastic way to reduce your environmental impact and create nutrient-rich soil for your garden. It's easier than you might think! This guide will walk you through the basics, helping you transform kitchen scraps and yard waste into valuable compost.

Getting Started

First, you'll need to choose a composting method. There are several options, from simple bins you can build yourself to more elaborate tumblers. A great resource for deciding which is right for you is Choosing the Right Compost Bin. For smaller spaces, consider a worm composting system. It can even help process many kinds of fruit and veggie waste. However, this process can be more difficult than bin composting. A very popular type of composting bin is the three-bin system and that can be learned in great detail here.

What to Compost

You can compost a surprising variety of materials. Generally, 'browns' (carbon-rich materials like dried leaves and twigs) and 'greens' (nitrogen-rich materials like grass clippings and fruit/vegetable scraps) should be balanced. Avoid adding meat, dairy products, oily foods, or diseased plants. This is one part of many which can be improved with improved techniques!

The Composting Process

Once you've gathered your materials, layer them in your bin, alternating browns and greens. Keep the pile moist but not soggy. Regularly turn the compost to aerate it and speed up decomposition. The ideal compost should look like rich, dark soil that crumbles easily. Learn about specific times for turning with a variety of factors in our linked resource: Understanding Your Compost Timing.

Troubleshooting

If your compost isn't breaking down properly, there are things you can adjust. Too wet or too dry? That will create an awful smell. Try adding more brown or green materials for a perfect mixture. Many more reasons exist too, so if you're ever having issues, consult resources like this website: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/composting/problems/

Harvesting and Using Your Compost

Once your compost is ready, you can use it to enrich your garden soil. It will improve drainage, aeration, and provide essential nutrients for healthy plant growth.

Happy composting!