Composting 101: Turn Your Kitchen Scraps Into Garden Gold
How to Start Composting at Home: A Simple Guide That Actually Works
Composting isn't some fancy garden science. It's old-school common sense that your grandmother probably knew by heart.
Here's what you'll get out of this: rich, dark soil that makes your plants grow like crazy. Plus you'll stop feeling bad about all those veggie scraps.
Why Your Garden Needs This
Compost does three big things for your garden.
First, it feeds the good bugs and worms in your soil. These little guys do all the heavy lifting for plant health.
Second, it helps your soil hold water better. Sandy dirt stops being so thirsty. Clay dirt stops being so stubborn.
What good compost does:
- Makes hard clay soil drain better
- Helps sandy soil hold water
- Feeds earthworms (your garden's best friends)
- Cuts down on store-bought fertilizer
- Saves money on bagged soil
Third, you'll feel pretty good about turning trash into treasure. Your neighbors will definitely notice the difference.
What Goes In, What Stays Out
Composting has two main ingredients. People call them "greens" and "browns."
Don't get confused by the names. It's really just wet stuff and dry stuff.
Your "Greens" (Wet Nitrogen Stuff)
- Fruit and veggie scraps from the kitchen
- Coffee grounds (filters too)
- Fresh grass clippings
- Green plant trimmings
Your "Browns" (Dry Carbon Stuff)
- Fall leaves (save them up!)
- Shredded cardboard and newspaper
- Dry grass and straw
- Small sticks and twigs
Never Put These In
- Meat or fish (attracts raccoons)
- Dog or cat waste
- Sick plants
- Weeds with seeds
The Simple Rule
Use about 3 scoops of browns for every 1 scoop of greens. But don't stress if you're not perfect. Compost is forgiving.
Three Ways That Actually Work
Pick a sunny spot with good drainage. Layer your stuff like lasagna - browns on bottom, greens next, then browns again.
Make it about garbage-can sized. Turn it every few weeks with a pitchfork or shovel.
That's it. Nature does the rest.
One bin for filling up. One bin for cooking. One bin for finished compost.
It's like having three stages of compost always going. Takes more space but gives you steady supply.
These rotating bins make turning simple. Just give it a few cranks instead of digging with a fork.
Costs more upfront but saves your back. Compost finishes faster too.
When Things Go Wrong
Most compost problems fix themselves. But here's what to do if yours gets cranky:
Smells like garbage? Too many greens, not enough air. Add dry leaves and turn it.
Nothing happening? Probably too dry or too small. Add water and more materials.
Animals getting in? Stop adding kitchen scraps for a while. Make sure no meat got in there.
Even experienced gardeners mess up sometimes. Don't sweat it.
Most piles work themselves out once you get the balance right.
How to Know When It's Done
Good compost takes time. Could be 3 months, could be a year.
Depends on how often you turn it and what method you use.
If it still feels warm when you dig into it, give it more time. Hot compost means it's still working.
Cool compost that looks like rich soil? That's the good stuff right there.
Ready to Start Your Compost Pile?
Your plants have been waiting for this upgrade. You'll see the difference in stronger growth and better blooms.
Want to supercharge that finished compost even more? Adding beneficial microbes takes things to the next level.
Boost Your Compost with Ancient Soil
