Composting 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Making Compost

Composting is a natural process of recycling organic materials into a nutrient-rich soil amendment that can be used to improve garden soil, support plant growth, and reduce waste. If you’re new to composting, this beginner’s guide will help you get started with the basics.

What is composting?

Composting is the process of breaking down organic materials, such as vegetable scraps, grass clippings, leaves, and wood chips, into a dark, crumbly, earthy-smelling substance called compost. Composting can be done in a bin, pile, or tumbler, and it requires oxygen, moisture, and the right mix of organic materials to work.

Why should I compost?

Composting is a great way to reduce waste, save money on fertilizer, and improve soil health. By composting your food and yard waste, you can divert up to 30% of household waste from the landfill and create a valuable resource for your garden. Compost also helps to retain moisture in soil, suppress plant diseases and pests, and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers.

How do I start composting?

To start composting, you’ll need a compost bin or pile, a mix of brown and green organic materials, and some patience. Brown materials, such as dry leaves, straw, and shredded paper, provide carbon, while green materials, such as vegetable scraps, grass clippings, and coffee grounds, provide nitrogen. Aim for a mix of about 2/3 brown materials and 1/3 green materials, and add water as needed to keep the compost moist but not wet.

What can I compost?

You can compost a wide variety of organic materials, including:

– Vegetable and fruit scraps
– Coffee grounds and filters
– Tea bags
– Eggshells
– Grass clippings
– Leaves
– Hay and straw
– Shredded paper and cardboard
– Sawdust and wood chips (untreated)

What should I avoid composting?

To maintain a healthy compost pile, you should avoid composting:

– Meat, fish, and dairy products (they can attract pests and create odor issues)
– Fats, oils, and grease (they can slow down the composting process and create odor issues)
– Diseased or insect-infested plants (they can spread disease and pests to your garden)
– Pet waste (it can contain harmful bacteria and parasites)

How long does it take to make compost?

The time it takes to make compost depends on several factors, including the size of your compost pile, the mix of organic materials, and the weather conditions. In general, compost can take anywhere from a few months to a year to fully break down into a dark, crumbly substance.

How do I use compost?

Once your compost is ready, you can use it as a soil amendment in your garden or potted plants. To use compost, simply spread a layer of it over the soil and mix it in. Compost can also be used as a mulch to help retain moisture in the soil and suppress weeds.