Composting is nature’s ultimate recycling hack, turning everyday kitchen scraps into nutrient-rich garden soil that supercharges plant growth. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a sustainability newbie, this Composting 101 guide will teach you how to reduce waste, save money on fertilizers, and create a thriving garden ecosystem. Let’s dig in!
Key Takeaways
- Composting reduces landfill waste by up to 30% while creating free, organic fertilizer.
- A balanced mix of greens (nitrogen-rich scraps) and browns (carbon-rich materials) is critical.
- Avoid meat, dairy, and oily foods to prevent pests and odours.
- Compost improves soil structure, water retention, and plant resilience.
- Even small spaces can compost with methods like bokashi or worm bins.
Why Composting Matters: Benefits Beyond the Garden
Composting isn’t just about turning kitchen scraps into nutrient-rich garden soil—it’s a cornerstone of sustainable living. By diverting organic waste from landfills, you cut methane emissions (a potent greenhouse gas) and close the nutrient loop in your home ecosystem. Healthy compost also:
- Boosts soil microbiology, fostering beneficial bacteria and fungi.
- Reduces reliance on synthetic fertilizers, saving money and protecting waterways.
- Improves drought resistance by helping soil retain moisture.
Composting 101: Step-by-Step Guide
1. Choose Your Composting Method
Pick a system that fits your lifestyle:
- Backyard Bin/Tumbler: Ideal for yards; requires greens + browns.
- Vermicomposting (Worm Bin): Perfect for apartments; worms break down scraps quickly.
- Bokashi Fermentation: Anaerobic process for meat/dairy (with caution).
2. Balance Greens + Browns
The magic ratio is 2:1 browns to greens:
- Greens (Nitrogen): Vegetable peels, coffee grounds, fresh grass clippings.
- Browns (Carbon): Dry leaves, cardboard, straw, wood chips.
3. Layer and Maintain
- Start with coarse browns for airflow.
- Alternate greens and browns, keeping the pile moist (like a wrung-out sponge).
- Turn the pile weekly to aerate and speed decomposition.
4. Troubleshoot Common Issues
- Smelly Compost? Add more browns and aerate.
- Pests? Bury food scraps under brown layers.
- Slow Breakdown? Chop scraps smaller or add water.
Top 20 Kitchen & Garden Items to Compost
Maximize your nutrient-rich garden soil by composting these items:
Best Greens (Nitrogen):
- Fruit/vegetable peels
- Coffee grounds + filters
- Tea bags (non-plastic)
- Fresh plant trimmings
- Eggshells (crushed)
Best Browns (Carbon):
6. Shredded newspaper
7. Cardboard (unwaxed)
8. Dry leaves
9. Straw/hay
10. Sawdust (untreated wood)
Surprising Additions:
11. Hair/pet fur
12. Cotton fabric scraps
13. Fireplace ash (small amounts)
14. Nut shells
15. Paper towels (unbleached)
Avoid These:
16. Meat/fish (attracts pests)
17. Dairy products
18. Oily/greasy foods
19. Diseased plants
20. Glossy/coloured paper
How to Use Finished Compost
Once your pile turns dark, crumbly, and earthy-smelling (3-12 months), it’s ready!
- Mix into garden beds: 2-4 inches for new soil.
- Top-dress lawns: Sprinkle lightly to boost grass health.
- Brew compost tea: Steep in water for liquid fertilizer.
Further Reading / Watching
Final Tip: Start small! A countertop compost bin or DIY pallet system can kickstart your journey to turning kitchen scraps into nutrient-rich garden soil. Happy composting
