Composting transforms waste into "black gold"—nutrient-rich soil amendment that improves garden health, reduces landfill waste, and saves money on fertilizers. This guide covers everything beginners need to start composting successfully.
Why Compost?
Benefits of Composting
- Improves Soil Structure: Enhances drainage in clay, retention in sand
- Provides Nutrients: Slow-release fertilizer for plants
- Reduces Waste: Diverts 30% of household waste from landfills
- Saves Money: Free fertilizer and soil amendment
- Supports Soil Life: Feeds beneficial microorganisms
- Reduces Erosion: Improves soil stability
- Sequesters Carbon: Helps combat climate change
The Science of Composting
Composting is controlled decomposition. Microorganisms break down organic matter, requiring four key elements:
Essential Elements
| Element | Purpose | Sources |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (Browns) | Energy for microbes | Leaves, straw, paper, cardboard |
| Nitrogen (Greens) | Protein for microbes | Food scraps, grass, coffee grounds |
| Oxygen | Aerobic decomposition | Turning, proper structure |
| Moisture | Microbial activity | Water, wet materials |
The Ideal Carbon to Nitrogen Ratio
Target Ratio: 30:1 (Carbon to Nitrogen)
| Material Type | C:N Ratio | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Dry leaves | 60:1 | Brown |
| Straw | 80:1 | Brown |
| Wood chips | 400:1 | Brown |
| Newspaper | 175:1 | Brown |
| Grass clippings | 20:1 | Green |
| Food scraps | 15:1 | Green |
| Coffee grounds | 20:1 | Green |
| Manure | 15:1 | Green |
What to Compost (and What to Avoid)
Compost These (Green Materials)
| Material | Notes | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Fruit scraps | All types | Chop large pieces |
| Vegetable scraps | All types | Chop large pieces |
| Coffee grounds | Include filters | None needed |
| Tea bags | Remove staples | None needed |
| Grass clippings | Fresh | Mix with browns |
| Plant trimmings | Healthy plants only | Chop woody stems |
| Eggshells | Slow to break down | Crush for faster decomposition |
| Seaweed | Excellent nutrient source | Rinse salt off |
Compost These (Brown Materials)
| Material | Notes | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Dry leaves | Excellent carbon source | Shred for faster decomposition |
| Straw | Not hay (has seeds) | Break into smaller pieces |
| Shredded paper | Non-glossy only | Shred or tear |
| Cardboard | Plain, no wax coating | Remove tape, shred |
| Wood chips | Small pieces only | Use sparingly |
| Sawdust | Untreated wood only | Mix well, use sparingly |
| Pine needles | Acidic, use moderately | None needed |
Never Compost These
| Material | Reason |
|---|---|
| Meat, fish, bones | Attracts pests, smells bad |
| Dairy products | Attracts pests, smells bad |
| Fats, oils, grease | Slows decomposition, attracts pests |
| Pet waste | Can contain harmful pathogens |
| Diseased plants | Spreads disease |
| Weeds with seeds | Seeds may survive composting |
| Treated wood | Contains toxic chemicals |
| Glossy paper | Contains chemicals |
| Coal ash | Contains harmful substances |
Composting Methods
Hot Composting (Fast Method)
Timeline: 4-8 weeks
Effort: High
Space: 3x3x3 feet minimum
Process:
- Build pile all at once with proper C:N ratio
- Maintain 130-150°F temperature
- Turn every 3-5 days
- Keep moist like wrung-out sponge
- Compost ready when cool and dark
Pros: Fast, kills weed seeds and pathogens
Cons: Requires large volume, frequent turning
Cold Composting (Slow Method)
Timeline: 6-12 months
Effort: Low
Space: Flexible
Process:
- Add materials as available
- Occasional turning (monthly)
- Keep moist
- Wait for decomposition
Pros: Easy, low maintenance
Cons: Slow, doesn't kill weed seeds
Vermicomposting (Worm Composting)
Timeline: 2-3 months
Effort: Moderate
Space: Small (indoor/outdoor)
Process:
- Set up worm bin with bedding
- Add red wiggler worms
- Feed kitchen scraps regularly
- Harvest finished compost
Pros: Indoor-friendly, excellent compost, produces worm tea
Cons: Requires worm care, limited capacity
Compost Bin Options
Bin Comparison
| Type | Cost | Capacity | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open Pile | Free | Large | Large yards | No cost, flexible | Messy, slow, attracts pests |
| Wire Bin | $20-40 | Medium | Budget-conscious | Cheap, good airflow | Not attractive, limited protection |
| Tumbler | $100-300 | Small-Medium | Small spaces | Easy turning, fast | Expensive, limited capacity |
| Three-Bin System | $100-200 | Large | Serious composters | Continuous production | Space-intensive, higher cost |
| Worm Bin | $50-150 | Small | Apartments, indoors | Indoor use, quality compost | Requires worm care |
Building a Simple Compost Bin
Materials Needed
- Four wooden pallets
- Wire or zip ties
- Optional: Hardware cloth for bottom
Instructions
- Stand three pallets on edge forming three sides
- Secure corners with wire
- Attach fourth pallet as hinged door
- Add hardware cloth to deter rodents
- Place on bare soil for drainage
Cost: $0-20
Time: 30 minutes
Capacity: ~27 cubic feet
Step-by-Step Composting Process
Starting Your Pile
Choose Location
- Partial shade
- Good drainage
- Convenient access
- On bare soil (not concrete)
Layer Materials
- Start with 4-6 inches of browns (twigs, straw)
- Add 2-3 inches of greens
- Sprinkle with soil or finished compost
- Repeat layers
Add Water
- Moisten each layer
- Aim for sponge-like dampness
- Avoid waterlogging
Monitor and Maintain
- Check moisture weekly
- Turn every 1-4 weeks
- Add materials as available
- Balance greens and browns
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Problem-Solution Guide
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Bad smell | Too wet, too many greens | Add browns, turn pile, improve drainage |
| Not heating up | Too small, too dry, wrong ratio | Add materials, add water, balance C:N |
| Attracting pests | Meat/dairy, exposed food | Remove prohibited items, bury scraps, use bin |
| Too dry | Insufficient moisture | Add water, add green materials |
| Slimy, matted | Too wet, poor aeration | Add browns, turn pile, improve drainage |
| Slow decomposition | Too cold, wrong ratio, too dry | Add greens, add water, turn more often |
| Flies | Exposed food scraps | Bury scraps under browns, use bin |
When is Compost Ready?
Signs of Finished Compost
✓ Dark brown or black color
✓ Crumbly texture
✓ Earthy smell
✓ Original materials unrecognizable
✓ Cool temperature
✓ Reduced volume (50-75%)
Maturity Test
- Place sample in sealed bag
- Wait 24 hours
- Smell contents
- Should smell earthy, not ammonia-like
Using Your Compost
Application Rates
| Use | Amount | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Garden beds | 1-3 inches worked in | Before planting |
| Top dressing | ½-1 inch | Anytime during growing season |
| Potting mix | 25-30% of mix | When mixing soil |
| Lawn topdressing | ¼-½ inch | Spring or fall |
| Mulch | 2-3 inches | Around plants, not touching stems |
| Compost tea | 1:5 ratio with water | Foliar spray or soil drench |
Making Compost Tea
Ingredients:
- 1 part finished compost
- 5 parts water
- Optional: 1 tablespoon molasses (feeds microbes)
Instructions:
- Place compost in burlap bag or old pillowcase
- Submerge in water bucket
- Let steep 24-48 hours, stirring occasionally
- Remove bag, use liquid within 24 hours
- Dilute 1:1 for foliar spray
Seasonal Composting Tips
Spring
- Turn winter pile
- Start new hot pile with spring cleanup debris
- Screen finished compost for garden use
- Restart worm bins if dormant
Summer
- Keep pile moist in heat
- Add grass clippings in thin layers
- Harvest finished compost
- Maintain regular turning schedule
Fall
- Stockpile leaves for winter browns
- Make leaf mold pile
- Insulate active piles for winter
- Clean and organize bins
Winter
- Continue adding kitchen scraps
- Pile may freeze (normal)
- Stockpile browns indoors
- Plan spring composting projects
Advanced Composting Techniques
Bokashi Composting
Ferments food waste (including meat/dairy) using special bran
- Indoor-friendly
- Fast (2 weeks)
- Requires bokashi bran
- Produces compost and liquid fertilizer
Trench Composting
Bury scraps directly in garden
- No bin needed
- Enriches soil in place
- Dig trench, add scraps, cover with soil
- Wait 4-6 weeks before planting
Leaf Mold
Compost leaves separately
- Takes 1-2 years
- Excellent soil conditioner
- Simply pile leaves and wait
- Shredding speeds process
Compost Accelerators
Natural Accelerators
| Accelerator | Benefit | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Finished compost | Introduces microbes | 1 shovel per pile |
| Garden soil | Introduces microbes | Thin layer between materials |
| Alfalfa meal | High nitrogen | 1 cup per cubic yard |
| Blood meal | High nitrogen | ½ cup per cubic yard |
| Coffee grounds | Nitrogen, attracts worms | 25% of greens |
| Urine (diluted) | High nitrogen | Dilute 1:10 with water |
Composting is one of the most rewarding gardening practices. Start small, learn as you go, and soon you'll be producing your own "black gold" to nourish your garden naturally.
