Composting is one of the simplest and most effective ways to recycle kitchen scraps and garden waste into nutrient-rich soil. It reduces landfill waste, saves money on fertilizer, and improves the overall health of your garden.
🌱 What is Composting?
Composting is the natural process of breaking down organic matter like food scraps and yard clippings into a dark, crumbly, earthy-smelling material called compost.
🌿 Benefits of Composting
- Enriches soil with essential nutrients.
- Reduces household waste sent to landfills.
- Encourages beneficial microbes and worms.
- Improves soil structure for better root growth.
✅ What You Can Compost
- Fruit and vegetable scraps
- Coffee grounds and filters
- Eggshells
- Grass clippings and leaves
🚫 What NOT to Compost
- Meat, fish, or dairy products
- Greasy or oily foods
- Diseased plants
- Pet waste
🛠️ Composting Methods
- Outdoor bin or pile – Best for larger yards; add greens and browns in layers.
- Indoor compost bin – Great for apartments; use sealed containers.
- Vermicomposting – Worms break down food scraps quickly indoors or outdoors.
📖 How to Start Composting Step by Step
- Choose a bin or location for your pile.
- Add a layer of browns (dry leaves, paper, straw).
- Add a layer of greens (vegetable scraps, grass).
- Keep it moist but not soggy.
- Turn or mix the pile every 1–2 weeks.
Pro Tip: A healthy compost pile has a balance of “greens” (nitrogen-rich) and “browns” (carbon-rich). Aim for about 2 parts brown to 1 part green.
⚡ Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Bad odor? Add more browns and turn the pile.
- Pests? Avoid adding meat and cover food scraps.
- Too slow? Chop scraps smaller and keep the pile moist.
🌼 Final Thoughts
Composting is a rewarding way to live sustainably and support your garden’s health. Start small with a kitchen compost jar or go bigger with a backyard pile—the choice is yours!
Are you already composting at home? Share your experience and tips in the comments below!