Home Composting Guide

Select an appropriate site for your compost pile or bin. It should be in a convenient location near your garden or kitchen, have good drainage, and be partially shaded.

Decide between using an open pile or a composting bin. Bins can be purchased or homemade and come in various sizes depending on your space and needs.

Gather a balanced mix of 'browns' (carbon-rich materials such as dry leaves, twigs, and newspaper) and 'greens' (nitrogen-rich materials such as food scraps, coffee grounds, and fresh lawn clippings). Aim for roughly equal parts browns to greens.

Begin your compost pile by layering browns and greens. A good rule of thumb is to start with a thick layer of browns, followed by a smaller layer of greens, and repeat the process as you add more materials.

Keep the compost pile moist but not overly wet. The pile should feel like a wrung-out sponge. If it’s too dry, add water; if it’s too wet, add more browns.

Aerate the pile every few weeks by turning it with a pitchfork or shovel. This introduces oxygen, which is necessary for the composting process and helps to break down materials more quickly.

Check the temperature of the pile — it should heat up as the materials begin to break down. Also, watch for any unpleasant odors, which can indicate a need for more browns or aeration.

Once the compost is dark, crumbly, and has an earthy smell, it is likely finished and ready to be used. Sift out any uncomposed materials and spread the compost in your garden or use as potting soil.

Avoid adding meat, bones, dairy, fats/oils, pet wastes, and diseased plants into the compost as they can attract pests and create unpleasant odors.

If the compost pile has an ammonia smell, add more browns to balance the nitrogen. If the pile isn't heating up, add more greens or water, and ensure it has sufficient aeration.

In colder climates, composting can slow down in the winter months. Consider insulating your pile with a cover or extra layers of browns to maintain microbial activity.