How to Start Composting at Home

An overview of the composting process and step by step guide to get you going.

There are numerous reasons that composting at home is beneficial.

For starters it dramatically reduces the amount of household waste that enters landfills. Composting can make a huge difference on your families’ carbon footprint.

Another reason that composting is worthwhile is the huge benefits it can provide to your lawn and garden. Compost improves soil quality and texture while feeding beneficial insects and worms.

Successfully composting can also reduce if not completely eliminate the need for chemical fertilizers for your property.

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What is Compost?
Matured compost is dark brown or black with a crumbly texture. There is no offensive odor as good compost smells like what it is, soil.

What Goes into Compost?
Brown material tends to be carbon based and includes the following

• Dried leaves
• Grains such as leftover pasta and rice
• Dried bread
• Sawdust
• Shredded paper and cardboard

Green material is rich in nitrogen and provides the heat to the mix.

• Spoiled fruits and vegetables
• Coffee grounds and tea bags
• Grass clippings

What Does Not go into Compost?

Although the following materials do decompose they can slow the process down and attract unwelcome predators and are not recommended for the compost bin.

• Meat of any type
• Oils, fats or dairy
• Cat litter or pet droppings

How to Start?
Decide on a suitable container, often home composting kits can be purchased very inexpensively at local home and garden stores. If you prefer you can construct your own version using simple materials such as wood or wire mesh.

Pick a location for the compost bin that has good drainage and preferably is not in a spot that gets full sun.

Begin by using a fork or spade to loosen the earth in your chosen spot. The more worms and micro-organisms that can reach your compost, the better.

Put your compost bin together and layer a “brown” material such as dry leaves or shredded paper thickly on the ground.

The next layer should consist of “green” material such as kitchen scraps or grass trimmings.

Keep layering your two colors until your bin is full. Always try to finish with a brown layer to help control odor and flies. The proper amount of each layer will depend on many factors such as the climate and the particular ingredients. Browns will slow down the decomposition and greens will speed it up but they can also cause rather unpleasant smells to develop, so aim for around half and half.

Keep an eye on the moisture level within your composter. After a heavy rain you may want to add more brown material to absorb the excess mixture. On the other hand if you are having a hot and dry summer you will want to add enough water to keep your compost slightly damp.

When your bin is full it should be turned to allow air to penetrate and assist the breakdown of material. Depending on the style of bin you choose this can either be done using a hay fork or by simply lifting the bin and placing it alongside the existing pile and placing it back into the composter.

Aim to mix and aerate the pile every two weeks or so. With suitable conditions your first mixture should be ready after being turned 4-5 times. You can tell if it is ready by the rich, crumbly texture and strong earthy smell. Before adding these materials to your garden or lawn allow it to rest for a month or two to fully cure.

After this final period of time your compost will have turned into a nutrient rich soil. You can now start to enjoy the benefits of your effort by working the finished compost into your garden and flower beds as well as topdressing your lawn and ornamentals.