Composting can divert a significant portion of household waste from landfills. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, food is the single most common material sent to landfills, comprising 24.1 percent of municipal solid waste.
When combined with yard trimmings, wood, and paper products, organic materials make up 51.4 percent of landfill waste.1
Composting offers a powerful solution to this mounting waste problem. By transforming food scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich soil amendments, we not only reduce methane emissions from landfills but also create valuable resources for gardens and landscapes.
Whether you’re working with a sprawling backyard or a tiny apartment balcony, these 18 tips will help you become a composting pro in no time.
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1. Choose the Right Location
Selecting the perfect spot for your compost bin or pile is crucial for success. Aim for a level area with good drainage, away from direct sunlight to prevent excessive drying. I
deally, place it in a convenient location that’s easily accessible from both your kitchen and garden.
Consider the proximity to neighbors and potential odors when deciding on placement. While a well-maintained compost shouldn’t smell, it’s best to keep it at a reasonable distance from property lines.
For those with limited space, don’t worry – even a small balcony can accommodate a compact composting system.
2. Start with the Right Container
Choosing an appropriate composting container is essential for efficient decomposition. Options range from simple wire bins and wooden structures to tumbling composters and enclosed plastic bins.
Each type has its advantages, so consider your space, budget, and composting goals when making a selection.
For beginners, a basic enclosed bin with ventilation holes is often a good starting point. These bins help retain heat and moisture while deterring pests.
If you’re feeling handy, you can even build your own using recycled materials like wooden pallets or old trash cans.
3. Balance Your Greens & Browns
Achieving the right balance of green and brown materials is key to successful composting.
Green materials, rich in nitrogen, include fresh grass clippings, fruit and vegetable scraps, and coffee grounds. Brown materials, high in carbon, consist of dry leaves, twigs, and shredded paper.
Aim for a ratio of about one part green to two parts brown. This balance provides the ideal environment for decomposing organisms to thrive. If your compost is too wet or smelly, add more browns.
If it’s not breaking down quickly enough, try increasing the greens.
4. Chop & Shred Materials
Breaking down your compost materials into smaller pieces can significantly speed up the decomposition process.
Use pruning shears or a lawn mower to chop up larger items like branches and leaves. For kitchen scraps, a quick chop with a knife can work wonders.
Smaller pieces increase the surface area available to decomposing microorganisms, allowing them to work more efficiently. This simple step can reduce composting time by weeks or even months, getting you to that rich, crumbly compost faster.
5. Keep It Moist
Proper moisture is crucial for a healthy compost pile. The ideal compost should feel like a wrung-out sponge – damp, but not soaking wet.
Too much moisture can lead to anaerobic conditions and unpleasant odors, while too little will slow down the decomposition process.
Monitor your compost regularly and add water if it feels dry. During rainy periods, you may need to cover your pile to prevent waterlogging. A good rule of thumb is to squeeze a handful of compost – if a few drops of water come out, you’ve hit the sweet spot.
6. Aerate Regularly
Oxygen is essential for the aerobic bacteria that break down organic matter. Turning your compost pile every few weeks introduces fresh oxygen, speeding up decomposition and preventing unpleasant odors.
For bin systems, use a pitchfork or compost aerator tool to mix the contents thoroughly.
If you’re using a tumbling composter, give it a spin every few days to mix the materials. This aeration not only provides oxygen but also helps distribute moisture and heat evenly throughout the pile, ensuring consistent decomposition.
7. Monitor Temperature
A healthy compost pile should heat up as microorganisms break down organic matter. Use a compost thermometer to track the temperature, which ideally should reach between 130-150°F in the center of the pile.
This heat kills weed seeds and pathogens while accelerating decomposition.
If your pile isn’t heating up, try adding more green materials or increasing the size of your pile. Remember, smaller piles may not generate as much heat, especially in colder climates.
Don’t worry if your pile cools down after a few weeks – this is a natural part of the composting cycle.
8. Know What to Compost
Understanding what materials are suitable for composting is crucial. Generally, you can compost most plant-based kitchen scraps, yard waste, and paper products.
This includes fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, tea bags, grass clippings, leaves, and shredded newspaper.
Avoid adding meat, dairy, oils, or diseased plants to your compost. These items can attract pests, create unpleasant odors, or introduce harmful pathogens to your pile. When in doubt, stick to plant-based materials for the healthiest, most effective compost.
9. Use a Starter or Activator
Compost starters or activators can jumpstart the decomposition process, especially for new piles. These products contain beneficial microorganisms and nutrients that help break down organic matter more quickly.
You can purchase commercial activators or use natural alternatives like finished compost or rich garden soil.
Sprinkle a thin layer of starter between layers of compost materials as you build your pile. This introduction of helpful microbes can be particularly beneficial in colder climates or when composting for the first time, ensuring your pile gets off to a strong start.
10. Manage Seasonal Changes
Composting is a year-round activity, but your approach may need to change with the seasons. In summer, monitor moisture levels closely and add water if needed to prevent the pile from drying out.
During winter, insulate your compost bin with straw or leaves to maintain heat and continue decomposition.
In the fall, take advantage of abundant leaves by stockpiling them for use throughout the year. Spring is an excellent time to use your finished compost in the garden and start a fresh batch with new growth and kitchen scraps.
11. Control Odors
A well-maintained compost pile should have an earthy smell, not an unpleasant odor. If you notice bad smells, it’s usually a sign that something is off balance. Foul odors often indicate too much moisture or a lack of oxygen in the pile.
To combat odors, try adding more brown materials to absorb excess moisture and increase aeration by turning the pile. Covering food scraps with a layer of browns can also help prevent smells and deter pests.
Remember, a healthy compost pile is a happy (and odor-free) compost pile!
12. Manage Pests
While a diverse ecosystem of insects and microorganisms is beneficial for composting, you’ll want to discourage larger pests.
Avoid adding meat, dairy, or oily foods that might attract rodents or other unwanted visitors. Keep your pile moist but not wet to deter flies from laying eggs.
If you’re using an open pile, consider covering it with a tarp or switching to a closed bin system. For added protection, bury fresh food scraps in the center of the pile and surround your composting area with hardware cloth to keep burrowing animals at bay.
13. Use the Right Tools
Having the proper tools can make composting easier and more efficient. Essential items include a pitchfork or compost aerator for turning the pile, a wheelbarrow for transporting materials, and a compost thermometer for monitoring temperature.
Gardening gloves and a small shovel or trowel are also helpful for handling materials.
For kitchen scraps, invest in a countertop compost bin with a tight-fitting lid to collect waste before transferring it to your main compost pile. This makes it convenient to save scraps and reduces trips to the outdoor bin.
14. Be Patient
Composting is a natural process that takes time. Depending on your methods and materials, it can take anywhere from a few months to a year for compost to fully mature.
Resist the urge to use your compost too soon – immature compost can harm plants by competing for nitrogen.
While waiting, continue adding materials and maintaining your pile. You’ll know your compost is ready when it’s dark brown, crumbly, and smells like rich earth. The wait is worth it for the nutrient-rich amendment your garden will love!
15. Experiment with Different Methods
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to composting. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different methods to find what works best for you.
Try vermicomposting (composting with worms) for indoor spaces, or explore hot composting for faster results.
Some gardeners prefer layering materials in a lasagna-style compost, while others swear by the Berkeley method for rapid decomposition. Each technique has its advantages, so feel free to adapt and combine methods to suit your needs and lifestyle.
16. Use Compost Tea
Once you have finished the compost, consider making compost tea – a liquid fertilizer packed with beneficial microorganisms. Steep finished compost in water for a few days, then strain and use the nutrient-rich liquid to water your plants or spray on leaves as a foliar feed.
Compost tea is an excellent way to stretch your compost further and provide a quick boost to your plants. It’s especially useful for container gardens or when you need to give your plants some extra TLC during the growing season.
17. Keep a Compost Journal
Maintaining a compost journal can help you track your progress and learn from your experiences. Note what materials you add, when you turn the pile, and any observations about temperature, moisture, or odor.
This record can be invaluable for troubleshooting issues and refining your technique over time.
Include notes on how your garden responds to the compost you’ve made. This information can help you adjust your composting methods to produce the best possible amendment for your specific plants and soil conditions.
18. Share Your Compost Knowledge
As you become more experienced with composting, share your knowledge with friends, family, and neighbors. Offer tips, troubleshoot their composting challenges, or even share some of your finished compost to help them get started.
Consider joining or starting a community composting program to make an even bigger impact. By spreading the word about the benefits of composting, you’re not just helping others – you’re contributing to a more sustainable future for everyone.
Composting is a rewarding journey that transforms waste into a valuable resource for your garden and the environment. With these 18 tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating nutrient-rich compost that nourishes your plants and reduces landfill waste.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.