In an age where sustainability is more important than ever, composting is one of the simplest and most rewarding ways to reduce household waste while enriching your garden soil. Whether you live in a house with a big garden or a flat with limited space, composting is accessible to nearly everyone. In this blog, we'll guide you through the best way to compost your home waste and how to use the finished product effectively.
What is composting?
Composting is the natural process of recycling organic matter such as food scraps and garden waste, turning it into a rich, soil-like material.
What can you compost at home?
The key to successful composting is balancing greens (nitrogen-rich materials) and browns (carbon-rich materials):
Greens (Nitrogen):
- Fruit and vegetable scraps
- Coffee grounds and tea bags
- Grass clippings
- Plant trimmings
Browns (Carbon):
- Dried leaves
- Cardboard (shredded)
- Paper towels and napkins
- Egg cartons
- Sawdust (from untreated wood)
Avoid composting:
- Meat, dairy, and oily foods (they attract pests)
- Diseased plants
- Pet waste (unless you're using a pet waste-specific composting system)
- Plastics or synthetic materials
Composting guide
1. Choose Your Composting Method
- Outdoor bin or pile: If you’re lucky enough to have enough outdoor space, use a compost bin or build a pile in a shaded area.
- Tumbler bin: This is faster option that makes turning the compost easy.
- Indoor Composting: Use a small compost bin with a charcoal filter to avoid smells.
2. Build your pile in layers
Alternate layers of greens and browns to balance the compost. A good rule of thumb is 2 parts browns to 1 part greens.
3. Maintain your compost
- Turn it regularly to aerate and speed up decomposition.
- Keep it moist, like a wrung-out sponge—not too wet or too dry.
- Watch the temperature (optional): A hot compost pile (around 50–60°C) breaks down faster.
4. Be patient!
Depending on your method, it’ll take a few weeks or a few months before the compost is ready to use – it should look dark, crumbly, and smell earthy.
Uses for compost:
- Garden beds: Mix into your soil to improve fertility and texture.
- Potting mix: Combine with soil for houseplants or container gardening.
- Top dressing: Sprinkle around trees, shrubs, and flowers as a natural mulch.
- Lawn care: Spread a thin layer across your lawn to boost grass health.
- Vegetable patch: Use compost before planting to nourish your veggies.
Tips for success
- Chop large items to speed up breakdown.
- Keep a small container in your kitchen for daily scraps.
- If your compost smells bad, add more browns and mix it well.
- If it’s not breaking down, add more greens or water.
Composting isn’t just for the green-fingered among us—it’s a lifestyle change that benefits your home, your plants, and the planet. By turning everyday kitchen and garden waste into something useful, you reduce landfill waste and create healthier soil naturally. Want to know more? Find a local gardener or follow us on Facebook or X.