Composting tips for beginners: Give your plants a nutrient-rich soil without chemical fertilisers

Composting tips: With a few simple steps, you can turn your kitchen scraps and yard waste into valuable compost that benefits your garden and the environment (Image: Pixabay)

Whether you have a big garden or live in a cozy apartment, composting is totally doable with a few basic tools and a little bit of know-how. And as you already know, it is one of the most eco-friendly ways to reduce waste while giving your garden a major boost!

Composting at home reduces waste, enriches soil, minimises the need for chemical fertilisers, and promotes sustainability by recycling organic matter and reducing landfills.

Here’s everything you need to know to get started with composting at home.

What can you compost?

Composting at home involves adding a mix of "greens" and "browns" to your compost bin or pile.

Greens: These are your kitchen scraps and fresh yard waste. Examples include:

• Fruit and vegetable peels
• Coffee grounds and filters
• Tea bags
• Grass clippings
• Fresh plant trimmings

Browns: These are dry, fibrous materials that help balance the moisture in your compost pile. Examples include:

• Dry leaves
• Cardboard
• Paper towels
• Newspaper
• Twigs and branches

Avoid Composting:

• Meat and dairy products
• Oily or greasy food waste
• Diseased plants
• Pet waste
• Inorganic materials like plastic or glass

How to start composting at home: Choose a composting method

There are several ways to compost at home, depending on your space and lifestyle:

• Compost bin: Perfect for small gardens or urban spaces, a compost bin keeps everything contained and tidy. You can buy a bin or make one using a large plastic container with a lid.
• Compost pile: If you have a backyard, you can create a simple compost pile by designating a spot to layer your greens and browns.
• Vermicomposting: For those in small spaces or apartments, vermicomposting (composting with worms) is a great option. Worms break down organic matter quickly, and their waste creates nutrient-rich compost.

• Start layering

Begin by adding alternating layers of greens and browns to your compost bin or pile. This balance of nitrogen and carbon helps speed up the decomposition process.

• First layer: Start with a layer of browns, such as dry leaves or shredded paper, to help with drainage.
• Add greens: Add your kitchen scraps and fresh yard waste as you go.
• Alternate: Keep alternating layers of greens and browns, aiming for a balance of roughly 50% of each.

• Keep it moist

Compost needs moisture to break down, but it shouldn’t be soaking wet. The compost pile should feel like a damp sponge. If it gets too dry, add water or more green materials; if it gets too wet, mix in some more browns.

• Aerate the compost

Oxygen is essential for the decomposition process. Every few weeks, turn your compost with a shovel or garden fork to aerate it. This helps speed up decomposition and prevents unpleasant odours.

• How long does composting take?

The time it takes for compost to be ready depends on several factors, including temperature, moisture, and the materials used. On average, it can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months for compost to fully decompose. You’ll know it’s ready when it turns dark, crumbly, and has an earthy smell.

• Common composting issues and solutions
• Bad odours: If your compost pile smells bad, it’s likely too wet or lacks oxygen. Turn the pile to aerate it and add more brown materials like dry leaves or paper.
• Attracting pests: If you find pests like rats or raccoons in your compost, avoid adding meat, dairy, or oily foods. Ensure your compost bin is sealed tightly.
• It's too dry: If your compost is not breaking down, it may be too dry. Add water and green materials to rehydrate it.

• Using your compost

Once your compost is ready, it can be used in a variety of ways:

• Garden soil: Mix compost into your garden soil to improve its nutrient content and structure.
• Potted plants: Use compost as a top dressing for potted plants to give them a nutrient boost.
• Mulch: Spread compost around plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Lawn care: Sprinkle compost on your lawn to promote healthy, green growth.

Composting at home is an easy, eco-friendly way to reduce waste and improve your garden's health. With a few simple steps, you can turn your kitchen scraps and yard waste into valuable compost that benefits your garden and the environment.