Composting 101: Turn Kitchen Scraps into Garden Gold

Composting is nature's way of recycling. Every autumn, forests cover themselves in fallen leaves that decompose into rich humus, feeding the next generation of growth. You can harness this same process in your backyard, transforming kitchen scraps and yard waste into the best soil amendment money can't buy.

Why Compost?

Finished compost is often called "black gold" for good reason. It improves soil structure, adds essential nutrients, increases water retention, and feeds beneficial soil organisms. Plus, composting diverts 30% of household waste from landfills, where it would produce methane—a potent greenhouse gas.

The Science Made Simple

Composting is controlled decomposition. Billions of microorganisms break down organic matter, generating heat and transforming waste into humus. All you need to do is provide the right conditions: a balance of materials, adequate moisture, and oxygen.

Greens vs. Browns

The secret to good compost is balancing "green" (nitrogen-rich) and "brown" (carbon-rich) materials. Aim for roughly 3 parts browns to 1 part greens by volume.

What NOT to Compost

• Meat, fish, dairy: Attract pests and create odors
• Oils and fats: Slow decomposition
• Pet waste: Contains harmful pathogens
• Diseased plants: May spread disease
• Weeds with seeds: Unless your pile gets very hot
• Treated wood: Contains toxic chemicals

Choosing a Composting Method

Bin Composting

The most common backyard method. A bin (purchased or DIY) contains materials, retains heat and moisture, and looks tidy. Turn the pile every few weeks and have finished compost in 2-6 months.

Tumbler Composting

An enclosed drum that you rotate to mix contents. Faster than bins (4-8 weeks) because materials stay contained and heated. Great for small spaces and keeping pests out.

Pile Composting

The simplest method—just heap materials in a pile. Requires more space and may be slower, but handles large volumes. Minimum pile size: 3x3x3 feet to retain heat.

Vermicomposting

Red wiggler worms process kitchen scraps in a small bin. Perfect for apartments and winter composting. Worm castings are exceptionally nutrient-rich.

Building Your First Pile

1. Choose a location: Partial shade, good drainage, convenient access
2. Start with browns: Layer 4-6 inches of leaves or straw as a base
3. Add greens: Add 2-3 inches of kitchen scraps or grass
4. Keep layering: Alternate browns and greens as materials become available
5. Add water: Materials should feel like a wrung-out sponge
6. Turn regularly: Mix every 1-2 weeks to add oxygen

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Pile Smells Bad

Too wet or too many greens. Add browns, turn to add air, and cover with dry leaves. A healthy pile smells earthy, not rotten.

Not Breaking Down

Pile may be too dry, too small, or need more nitrogen. Add water, build a bigger pile, and include more greens. Chopping materials speeds decomposition.

Attracting Pests

Bury food scraps in the center of the pile and cover with browns. Use a closed bin if rodents are a problem. Never add meat or dairy.

Using Finished Compost

Compost is ready when it's dark, crumbly, and smells like forest floor—you shouldn't recognize any original materials. Use it to:

• Top-dress garden beds (2-3 inches annually)
• Mix into potting soil (up to 30%)
• Make compost tea for liquid feeding
• Mulch around trees and shrubs
• Improve lawn soil

Every bit of organic matter you compost is waste diverted from landfills and fertility returned to the soil. Start small, learn as you go, and before long, you'll wonder why you ever threw "garbage" away.