Composting transforms kitchen scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich soil amendment, reducing landfill waste while improving your garden. This comprehensive guide teaches you everything about composting, from basic principles to advanced techniques.
Composting Basics
Composting is nature’s recycling process, breaking down organic materials into humus—a dark, crumbly, earthy-smelling material that enriches soil and helps plants thrive.
The Science of Composting
Successful composting requires four key elements:
- Carbon (Browns): Dry leaves, paper, cardboard, sawdust
- Nitrogen (Greens): Food scraps, grass clippings, coffee grounds
- Water: Moisture for decomposer organisms
- Oxygen: Air circulation for aerobic decomposition
Composting Methods
Choose the composting method that best fits your space, time, and needs:
Traditional Bin Composting
- Best for: Yards with space
- Time to compost: 3-6 months
- Maintenance: Turn weekly
- Capacity: Large volumes
Tumbler Composting
- Best for: Quick results
- Time to compost: 1-2 months
- Maintenance: Rotate daily
- Capacity: Medium volumes
Vermicomposting (Worm Bins)
- Best for: Indoor/apartment composting
- Time to compost: 2-3 months
- Maintenance: Feed weekly
- Capacity: Small volumes
Trench Composting
- Best for: Direct garden enrichment
- Time to compost: 6-12 months
- Maintenance: None after burial
- Capacity: Variable
What to Compost
✅ Compost These (Greens)
- Fruit and vegetable scraps
- Coffee grounds and filters
- Tea bags (remove staples)
- Fresh grass clippings
- Plant trimmings
- Eggshells (crushed)
✅ Compost These (Browns)
- Dry leaves
- Shredded newspaper
- Cardboard (shredded)
- Paper towels
- Sawdust (untreated wood)
- Straw and hay
❌ Avoid These
- Meat and fish
- Dairy products
- Oils and fats
- Pet waste
- Diseased plants
- Treated wood products
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Compost Smells Bad
Cause: Too much moisture or nitrogen
Solution: Add browns, turn pile, improve drainage
Compost Won’t Heat Up
Cause: Insufficient nitrogen or moisture
Solution: Add greens, water if dry, increase pile size
Pests in Compost
Cause: Meat/dairy products or exposed food
Solution: Remove problem materials, bury food scraps, use sealed bin
Using Your Finished Compost
Finished compost is dark, crumbly, and smells earthy. Here’s how to use it:
- Soil Amendment: Mix 2-4 inches into garden beds
- Mulch: Apply 1-2 inches around plants
- Potting Mix: Blend with soil and perlite
- Compost Tea: Steep in water for liquid fertilizer
- Lawn Top-Dressing: Spread thin layer on grass
Advanced Composting Techniques
Hot Composting
Achieve finished compost in 3-4 weeks with careful management of temperature and turning.
Bokashi Composting
Ferment food waste (including meat and dairy) using beneficial microorganisms.
Johnson-Su Bioreactor
Create fungal-dominant compost for superior soil biology.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does composting take?
Depending on your method and management, composting takes 1-12 months. Hot composting is fastest (3-4 weeks), while passive composting is slowest (6-12 months).
Can I compost in winter?
Yes! Composting slows in cold weather but doesn’t stop. Insulate your bin, add extra browns, and continue adding materials throughout winter.
Do I need a special bin?
No, you can compost in a simple pile, though bins help contain materials, retain heat, and deter pests. DIY bins work just as well as commercial ones.