How to Start a Compost
Composting for Beginners
what is compost?
Compost is the slow, natural decomposition of organic material.
Composting at home is a controlled and faster decomposition of material such as leaves and food waste that your household generates. Microorganisms help break down this material into a nutrient rich product to use in your garden.
Why compost?
to reduce your household’s waste
If a compostable item ends up in a landfill, it will take years to naturally compost. Trash is disposed of in a sealed plastic bag and even if it isn’t, most landfills themselves are sealed. The composting process requires oxygen which is not abundant in a landfill and organic material needs the proper conditions to break down. (1)
to Improve your garden and soil
Compost improves the soil, reducing the need for fertilizers or water. It is also very nutrient dense to add to your garden or even just your grass! (2)
It is easy and inexpensive to start!
There is no need to go out and buy a fancy compost bin (unless you want to then by all means go for it!) You can build your own bin or simply start a pile in your backyard!
How to start a backyard compost bin
Keep in mind that at least a 3ftx3ft space is ideal for the composting process to take place!
do it yourself bins
Bricks or Cinder Blocks (stationary)
Simply stack bricks to make a box. It is suggested to layer the bricks for more aeration or place the cinder blocks so that some air can get in. Here is a great example. You could add a lid if critters are a problem, but I personally haven’t had much of an issue with an open bin.
Wood or Pallet Bin (can be moved)
It is recommended too use untreated wood BUT keep in mind it will need to be replaced eventually due to the wood itself decomposing. Simply build a box out of wood and line with chicken wire or hardware mesh to keep the food in and critters out. Here is a cool pallet bin. This one is similar to what we did. Basically a 3ft by 3ft wooden box lined with hardware mesh. Ours is open on top with no issues!
Wire (may be hard to move)
You could build a wire bin by wrapping the wire around wooden posts. The benefit of this one is that you can cut a hole in the bottom to remove the finished compost. If you live in a cooler climate, keep in mind this option may have too much air flow, slowing down the compost pile because compost requires heat.
bins to purchase
Although I’m not a huge fan of buying a giant plastic bin, if you compost in it the waste reduction would be worth it (in my opinion.) This is a great option if you have a small patio or strict neighborhood guidelines. Most rotate to make it easy to turn the compost but you’d have to stop adding to it and let it sit for awhile to actually get compost out. There are also tumblers that have two separated sides so you could have one for making compost and one to add stuff to.
Trash Can
For a more economical version of the tumbler, use a trash can with a lid (metal or plastic). Add waste to the can and tightly close it with a bungee or something and simply roll it when you need to turn the compost.
Open Compost
Pit (stationary)
Dig a hole and add compost material to it! This type has no or very few browns required because it is in the dirt and is very low maintenance.
Pile (stationary)
Simply start a pile in the your yard to add compost materials to. Very low maintenance but make sure to mix well and cover with browns. Animals and pets may be an issue.
how to add ingredients to your compost
Alternate layers of greens and browns. make sure the top layer is always browns. a good mixture is two parts brown to one part green.
Browns: SMALL PIECES of shredded paper, cardboard, dryer lint, egg shells, fireplace or wood ash (no coal ash), leaves, grass clippings, saw dust or untreated wood dust, paper towels, shredded newspaper, household plants and old potting soil, nut shells, pinestraw (only a little at a time)
Greens: SMALL PIECES of fruits, vegetables, green glass clippings, coffee grounds, bread/grains, paper coffee filters or tea bags, green leaves, hair/fur, house plants, kelp, seaweed, manure from herbivores
NO: Coal ash, meat products, dairy products, seafood products, diseased plants/weeds/seeds, human or pet waste, oils/grease/lard
How to care for your compost
Thoroughly turn the pile weekly with a pitchfork or shovel to add oxygen
If you turn the pile and notice it is very dry, water it! Most open compost bins get plenty of water from rain but that depends on where you live. The pile should always be damp (but not saturated). If the pile is too wet, add dry materials (browns) and turn frequently.
when is the compost ready?
When there are no remnants of food waste
When the pile starts to cool down
When the compost looks like a rich brown good soil and smells earthy
If you ever aren’t sure, smell it and then place a small amount in a sealed bag and smell it after a few days. It should smell the same!
how to use compost
Sprinkle it on the lawn as fertilizer.
Use it as mulch by spreading 2-3in around plants or trees to retain moisture. Alternatively, use in the garden as a top layer of soil.
Mix it with potting soil.
Use it to amend the soil. About one month before planting, work 1-3in of compost into the top 3-4in of soil.
tips
Check the temperature with a compost thermometer: a properly working compost pile will reach temperatures of 130-160F
3ftx3ft compost bin is ideal
Choose an area at least a couple feet away from structures (houses, fence, trees).
If possible, connect the compost pile to the soil by loosening the first inch of soil. This encourages more microorganisms from the soil to help in the decomposition process.
make sure everyone in your house is removing produce stickers. They won’t break down and you’ll have to pick them out individually when the compost is finished.
common problems (and solutions)
Don’t get scared reading this! Compost problems are easily solved usually by adding more leaves (browns) and turning the pile. A properly working compost should not smell!
The pile is too hot (over 170F): Add browns and water and turn the pile.
Slow decomposing or too cool (below 130F): This could be caused by too small of a pile (add more stuff), too dry of a pile (add water), lack of nitrogen (add greens), needs oxygen (turn more often). If you live in a cooler climate, keep an insulating layer on top of the pile such as leaves or pine straw.
Lots of flies: Cover the top of the pile with browns.
Rotten egg smell: This can happen when there is too much moisture or not enough oxygen. Turn the pile thoroughly and add more browns.
Ammonia smell: Too much nitrogen or not enough oxygen. Add browns and turn the pile.
Stationary pile is losing heat before the compost is done: The material could be going anaerobic—add greens and turn the pile.
Questions? Leave a comment! If I can’t help, I will point you in the right direction. Follow me on Instagram @yourtruepeace for natural living, healthy food, and all the positive vibes!
With love, Amanda
