The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
Anygardenercan benefit from addingnutrients and organic matterto the soil to help plants thrive.
Below, we’ve detailed a step-by-step guide tohelp you get started.
What Is Composting?
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
There aremany styles of compost binsto choose from.
On the small end of the spectrum, kitchen composters are small, streamlined, and odor-free.
For larger garden operations, you may want to contain your compost in an outdoor bin.
The Spruce / Adriana Sanchez
It includeskitchen scrapssuch ascoffee grounds, peelings, fruit cores, uneaten leftovers, and eggshells.
Any kitchen waste that is not greasy, dairy, or meat can be composted.
Add Brown Material
Brown material is high in carbon.
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
Paper, cornstalks, sawdust, small branches, twigs, and straw all fall into this category.
If you don’t take this step, you risk it turning moldy and ruining your compost.
Add Water
Water is the final key ingredient in a thriving compost pile.
You want the pile to remain damp but not dripping wet.
You will know that your compost pile is right if it becomes hot in the middle.
Maintaining heat is important to sterilize the compost and kill theweed seedsor harmful bacteria that may be there.
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The heat is your proof that the ratio is working for your compost pile.
Simply move the outer portion of the pile toward the center, turning each scoop over as you go.
Continue shuffling the materials until you have exposed the decomposing materials within the pile.
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
A compost pile needs to be turned every two to four weeks.
If you have a bin with a crank, give it a few turns every week.
Turn the remaining compost and allow it to continue to break down.
The Spruce / Steven Merkel
The Spruce / Steven Merkel
Use the Harvested Compost
Harvested compost can be used in many ways.
Dog and cat poop may have harmful bacteria or parasites that turn your fertilizer into hazardous waste.
Avoid putting leaves or other plant parts that show signs of disease or fungal spots.
The Spruce / Steven Merkel
Unhealthy plant material should be bagged up and taken away.
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
