How To Compost at Home
Composting at home is easy to reduce waste, improve soil health and help the environment. Whether you have a garden or live in a flat there’s a composting method for you. This guide covers the basics of composting including how to compost at home, what to compost, how to set up a compost bin and tips for a healthy compost pile.
What is Composting?
Composting is the breaking down of organic materials—food scraps, garden waste and paper—into a soil enricher. Microorganisms like bacteria and fungi do the work, turning it into humus. This dark crumbly material is full of nutrients for the soil.
By composting you reduce landfill waste and improve soil structure, moisture retention and plant growth.
What Can You Compost?
You can compost:
- Fruit and vegetable scraps
- Coffee grounds and tea bags
- Eggshells
- Grass clippings and leaves
- Paper products (newspaper, cardboard, shredded paper)
Don’t compost:
- Meat, dairy, oils and fats (attract pests and odours)
- Pet waste (may contain harmful pathogens)
How to Set Up a Compost Bin
There are different types of compost bins from DIY plastic containers to commercial tumblers. When choosing a bin consider:
- Space
- The amount of waste you generate
- Budget
Steps to set up your compost bin:
- Choose a location – Pick a spot with some sunshine and good drainage.
- Layer your materials – Start with a base layer of browns (e.g. leaves, shredded paper) for aeration. Add greens (e.g. food scraps, grass clippings) on top.
- Keep layering – Alternate layers of browns and greens, keep the pile moist but not soggy.
Maintaining Your Compost PileTo maintain your compost:\
- Turn the pile – Mix the contents regularly with a pitchfork or shovel to aerate the compost and speed up decomposition.
- Check moisture levels – The pile should be damp like a wrung-out sponge. Add water if it’s too dry or more browns if it’s too wet.
- Monitor temperature – A compost pile should reach 55-70°C (130-160°F). If it’s too cool, add more greens or turn the pile more often.
Get Composting Today
Composting at home is easy and fun to reduce waste, enrich your soil and help the environment. Follow these steps and you’ll have nutrient-rich compost for your garden.
Ready to get started? Set up your compost bin today and start making a difference!
