How to Start Composting For a Thriving Garden

Last Updated on March 29, 2024 by Veronica Sparks

Whether you’re growing food or nurturing a flower bed, you know the importance of fertile, well-draining soil for the health of your plants. But if you don’t want to resort to chemical fertilizers, why not compost? Composting is a simple yet powerful way to use your kitchen scraps, make your garden healthier, and contribute to a sustainable environment. Whether you have a large backyard or a small apartment balcony, composting can be done at home with minimal effort. Let’s walk through the process of how to start composting from scratch and review some essential tips to ensure successful composting.

Related Article: 8 DIY Ways to Make Organic Fertilizer for Vegetable Gardens

What is Composting?

Composting is a popular natural living practice that involves the decomposition of organic materials, such as food scraps, yard waste, and other biodegradable items. Through composting, these materials are transformed into nutrient-rich material, which can be used to enrich garden soil, potting mixes, or even lawns.

Instead of sending organic waste to landfills where it generates harmful greenhouse gases, you can harness the power of nature to create a valuable resource.

Benefits of Composting

Composting offers numerous benefits, both for the environment and for your own gardening endeavors. Let’s explore some of the key advantages of this green living practice.

Reduces Food Waste

Food waste is a significant problem globally, contributing to landfills and the emission of greenhouse gases. By composting food scraps, you can recycle food waste and give it a new role in enriching your soil.

Combats Soil Erosion

Acting as a natural soil amendment, compost helps retain moisture, reduces erosion, and improves soil structure. Adding compost to your garden beds or top-dressing your lawns can help prevent soil erosion, particularly in areas prone to heavy rains.

Improves the Health of Soil

Compost is teeming with beneficial microorganisms, which enhance soil fertility and nutrient availability to plants. The organic matter in compost improves soil structure, aeration, and water-holding capacity, creating a thriving environment for plant roots.

Conserves Water

By improving soil moisture levels, compost helps conserve water, especially in dry or arid regions. Compost-amended soil has better water retention capacity, reducing the need for frequent watering.

Related Article: 7 Reasonable Ways to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint (And Save Money!)

How Does Composting Work?

Composting involves a series of stages where organic materials break down gradually. Understanding these stages will help you monitor and manage your compost effectively.

The key stages of composting are:

1. Stage 1: Initial Decay – In this stage, microorganisms begin breaking down easily decomposable materials, such as fruit peels and vegetable scraps. The temperature rises slightly as the decomposition process starts.
2. Stage 2: Active Decay – During this stage, the decomposition process accelerates, and the temperature inside the compost pile rises significantly. Beneficial bacteria and fungi break down complex organic compounds into simpler forms.
3. Stage 3: Maturation – In the final stage, the temperature stabilizes, and the decomposition process slows down. The compost matures, and it’s ready to be used in your garden.

Methods for Composting

There are various methods for composting, depending on the space you have available and your personal preferences. Let’s explore some popular options!

Outdoor vs. Indoor Composting

Outdoor composting is suitable for those with a backyard or garden space. This method involves either creating a compost pile or using a compost bin.

On the other hand, indoor composting is ideal for apartment homesteading or those with limited outdoor space. Indoor composting methods include vermicomposting with worms or using special bins designated for indoor use — like a countertop compost bin.

Compost Pile vs. Compost Bin

Both compost piles and compost bins serve the purpose of decomposing organic materials. A compost pile is a simple heap of organic matter, while a compost bin is a container that helps confine the materials and provides better control over the composting process.

Types of Compost Bins

Compost bins come in various styles and sizes. Some popular options include stationary bins, tumbler bins, and worm bins.

• Stationary bins tend to be simple and affordable.

• Tumbler bins allow for easier turning and faster decomposition.

• Worm bins, also known as vermicomposting bins, use worms to aid in the composting process.

Materials To Compost: “Greens” vs. “Browns”

When composting, it’s essential to balance the ratio of “greens” (nitrogen-rich materials) and “browns” (carbon-rich materials).

Achieving the right balance of greens and browns ensures optimal decomposition and prevents odors or pests.

How to Start Composting in 5 Easy Steps

Step 1: Decide on Your Composting Method and Location

First, determine whether you’ll be composting outdoors or indoors. Choose a suitable composting method among the ones we discussed, based on your available space and personal preferences.

Be sure to select a location that is convenient to access and has good drainage.

Step 2: Create Your First Compost Layer

Begin by creating a drainage layer at the bottom of your compost bin or pile. This layer helps prevent waterlogging and ensures proper airflow.

Use a few inches of twigs, mulch, or straw to form the base.

Step 3: Start Layering Compost Materials

The key to successful composting is layering your materials properly. Alternate between “greens” and “browns” to maintain a balanced carbon-to-nitrogen ratio. For example, add a thin layer of “greens” followed by a layer of “browns.” Repeat this process until you’ve used all the organic materials.

Step 4: Ensure Your Compost Stays Moist

Moisture is crucial for the composting process. Make your compost always feels a bit moist but not too soaked. It should feel similar to a damp sponge. Regularly check the moisture level and water the compost if it becomes too dry.

However, avoid overwatering, as excessive moisture can lead to a lack of oxygen and will slow down decomposition.

Step 5: Turn Your Compost

Every couple of weeks, use a garden fork, pitchfork, or shovel to turn your compost. Turning helps aerate the pile, promotes decomposition, and prevents the formation of compacted layers.

Aim to mix the outer layers with the inner core to ensure uniform decomposition.

Foods You Should and Shouldn’t Compost

Composting certain food items can be beneficial, while others should be avoided. Here’s a quick guide on what food you should compost and what to keep out of your pile or bin:

• You Should Compost: Fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, tea leaves, eggshells, yard trimmings, leaves, shredded paper, and cardboard.
• You Shouldn’t Compost: Meat, fish, dairy products, oily foods, bread, pasta, and pet waste. These items can attract pests or produce odors during decomposition.

Tips for Successful Composting

To ensure your composting journey is successful, consider the following tips:

• Cut materials into smaller pieces for faster decomposition.
• Cover the top of the pile if your area receives a lot of rain to prevent waterlogging.
• Add nitrogen fertilizer if your ratio of brown materials is too high.
• Incorporate pulverized eggshells to increase calcium in the finished compost.
• Avoid leaving food waste at the top of the pile, as it can attract rodents and other critters.
• Refrain from adding plant roots, diseased plant tissue, or pesticide-infected plant matter to the compost pile.

Ready to Start Composting at Home?

Composting is a rewarding and eco-friendly practice that anyone can adopt. By diverting organic waste from landfills and creating nutrient-rich humus, you can contribute to a healthier planet and cultivate thriving gardens. Follow the steps outlined in this guide to start composting at home and enjoy the benefits of this sustainable practice.

FAQs: How to Start Composting

How long does it take for compost to be ready?

Composting times can vary depending on factors such as temperature, moisture, and the materials used. In general, it can take anywhere from a few months to a year for compost to fully mature.

Can I compost in an apartment without outdoor space?

Absolutely! Indoor composting methods like vermicomposting with worms or using specialized compost bins designed for small spaces are perfect for apartment dwellers.

How do I know if my compost is working correctly?

A well-functioning compost pile should have an earthy smell, feel moist like a damp sponge, and have an active breakdown of materials. The temperature inside the compost pile may also rise during the active decay stage.

Can I use compost in container gardening?

Absolutely! Compost is an excellent addition to container gardening as it enriches the potting mix, improves water retention, and provides essential nutrients to the plants.