Home Composting 101: A Simple Guide

 

Did you know that around 30% of the waste we send to landfills can be composted? By starting a home composting system, you can reduce your environmental footprint, save money on fertilisers, and enrich your garden soil—all while helping the planet.

 

This guide will walk you through the basics of home composting, from understanding what can and cannot be composted to setting up your own composting system.

 

What Is Composting?

 

Composting is the natural process of recycling organic matter, like food scraps and yard waste, into a rich soil amendment called compost. This “black gold” can enhance your garden’s health, improve soil structure, and support plant growth.

 

Why Should You Compost at Home?

• Reduce Waste: Composting diverts food scraps and yard waste from landfills, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

• Save Money: Home composting eliminates the need to buy chemical fertilizers.

• Healthier Soil: Compost improves soil quality, retains moisture, and suppresses plant diseases.

• Sustainable Living: Composting is an easy way to adopt a more eco-friendly lifestyle.

 

Composting Basics: What Can and Cannot Be Composted

 

Understanding what to compost is crucial for creating a healthy and effective compost pile.

 

What You Can Compost:

• Greens (Nitrogen-Rich):

• Fruit and vegetable scraps

• Coffee grounds and filters

• Grass clippings

• Fresh garden clippings

• Browns (Carbon-Rich):

• Dried leaves

• Paper and cardboard (non-glossy, shredded)

• Straw or hay

• Sawdust from untreated wood

 

What You Should Avoid:

• Dairy products, meat, and oily foods (they attract pests)

• Diseased plants

• Weeds with seeds

• Glossy or coated paper

• Pet waste (unless you’re using a specific pet waste composting system)

 

Step-by-Step Guide to Home Composting

 

1. Choose Your Composting System

• Compost Bin: Ideal for small spaces. Keeps the pile neat and contained.

• Compost Tumbler: Speeds up the decomposition process with regular turning.

• Open Pile: Great for larger backyards but requires more management.

• Worm Farm (Vermicomposting): Perfect for apartment dwellers and small-scale composting.

 

2. Pick a Location

 

Select a spot with good drainage and partial sunlight. This ensures your compost pile remains warm and doesn’t become waterlogged.

 

3. Layer Your Materials

 

Alternate layers of greens (wet, nitrogen-rich materials) and browns (dry, carbon-rich materials). A good ratio is 2 parts browns to 1 part greens.

 

4. Maintain Your Pile

• Turn Regularly: Aerate the pile every 1-2 weeks to speed up decomposition and prevent odor.

• Monitor Moisture: Your compost should be as damp as a wrung-out sponge. Add water if it’s dry or browns if it’s too wet.

 

5. Wait and Harvest

 

In 2-6 months, depending on your system and the materials used, your compost will turn dark, crumbly, and earthy-smelling. Use it to enrich your garden or as a top dressing for plants.

 

Troubleshooting Common Compost Problems

• Bad Odours: Too much green material or insufficient aeration. Add more browns and turn the pile.

• Pile Not Decomposing: The pile might be too dry or lack nitrogen-rich materials. Add greens and water.

• Pests: Avoid adding food scraps like meat or oils, and keep your pile covered.

 

Tips for Successful Composting

1. Chop or Shred Materials: Smaller pieces decompose faster.

2. Balance Greens and Browns: Keep a balance to ensure the pile doesn’t smell or stagnate.

3. Keep a Compost Caddy: Use a container in your kitchen for collecting food scraps to make it convenient.

 

Beyond the Basics: Creative Composting Ideas

• Use a Bokashi Bin: This anaerobic system ferments food scraps, even meat and dairy, for faster composting.

• In-Ground Composting: Dig a hole and bury compostable waste directly in your garden.

• Leaf Mold: Compost leaves separately to create a nutrient-rich soil conditioner.

 

Start Your Composting Journey Today

 

Home composting is one of the simplest ways to reduce waste and support a sustainable lifestyle. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, starting your own compost system is rewarding for both you and the environment. So, grab those food scraps, layer your greens and browns, and watch as nature does its magic!

 

Looking for eco-friendly ways to enhance your sustainable lifestyle? All our packaging is home compostable.