As a new gardener, I thought I could stick any plant in the ground, and with a little sunshine and water, it would flourish. When my most basic efforts did not produce a gorgeous and abundant garden, I blamed myself. Now, after many years of failures and some successes, I realise that the soil in my garden – and probably yours, too – is a big part of the problem. It wasn’t my fault at all! (At least that’s what I’m telling myself.)
Whether your soil is sandy, clay, or rocky, it likely lacks the nutrients and tilth (the physical composition of dirt) required to help plants grow. Thankfully for us all, bad soil can be improved with a single ingredient that you can make yourself: compost.
Compost is a mix of carbon- and nitrogen-rich organic ingredients – like food scraps, coffee grounds, grass clippings and newspaper – that break down into a dirt-like substance. Mix it into garden beds and containers to help retain moisture, strengthen roots and add nutrients.
Beyond your own garden, composting is good for the environment: it helps conserve water, reduces the use of chemical fertilisers, and reduces waste and greenhouse gases. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, more than half of greenhouse gas emissions from landfills come from wasted food.
You don’t need to be an experienced gardener or have a lot of space to start composting. All you need are a few tools, some time and organic matter – anything from produce scraps to dead leaves will work. Here’s how to get started:
What you’ll need to start a compost pile
Compost ingredients
The items that go into compost are often referred to as “browns” and “greens.” Browns are carbon-rich materials, and greens are full of nitrogen. Before adding ingredients to your compost, cut them into small pieces to help them break down more quickly. Avoid items like animal products, pet waste, fats and oils, and anything sprayed with pesticides.
What to Read Next
Browns
- Dried leaves
- Wood chips
- Sticks and twigs
- Cardboard
- Newspaper
- Paper bags (uncoated)
Greens
- Raw produce scraps
- Eggshells
- Grass and plant clippings
- Coffee grounds
A bin or container for collecting items to be composted
You’ll need containers with lids to collect and store your browns and greens. Many people keep a small bin or bucket on their kitchen countertop or freezer for greens and have a separate bin in their garden or garage for browns.
Outdoor space
Designate a spot in your yard for your compost. Ideally, it should be a well-drained place near a water source.
A barrel or tumbler
Purchase a large bin or barrel where the combined ingredients can decompose and turn into compost. Some are made of plastic and have ventilation strips or holes; others look like wire cages.
A tumbler is a sealed drum for storing compost that can spin. It’s a good option if you have a smaller outdoor space, and it speeds up the decomposition process by retaining heat and tumbling and aerating the ingredients as they rotate inside the drum. It also keeps the compost contained and out of sight – and, unlike a barrel, you won’t have to turn the compost by hand.
How to compost in 3 easy steps
Step 1: Build your pile with browns and greens
Place several inches of browns in the bottom of your bin, then top with a layer of greens and continue to alternate browns and greens. Aim for two parts browns to one part greens.
Step 2: Keep it moist
Moisten the pile with water; it should be damp but not soaked.
Step 3: Turn it regularly
Cover the bin and turn the compost every week to help it break down. Depending on your container, it can take three months to a year to fully decompose. When the compost is ready, it will look like dark soil and have an even texture throughout.
Want to compost faster? Try worm composting
Vermi-composting uses live earthworms to break down food waste. This method is faster than traditional composting (about three to six months) and requires less maintenance – you’ve just got to be comfortable working with worms.
The EPA recommends one pound of red wigglers for a bin that’s 15 inches deep and 25 inches wide. The bin must have a tight-fitting lid, air holes, and drainage holes. Fill it about halfway with browns that have been moistened with water and fluffed up, then mix in a few handfuls of soil. Place the worms inside, add a layer of food scraps, and cover with a layer of browns. Regularly add more scraps and browns – worms eat a lot.
Gardening must-haves
Filberts of Dorset Gardeners Hand Salve
Haywards Garden Bee and Butterfly Water Stations, Garden Décor, set of three colourful bee water cups .
Home Sussex Handmade Peg Apron
Painted Garden Label/Marker
The Fae Potter Wild Bird Feeder ceramic hanging
WhinnyPoo WhinnyPoo Box of 3 Plant Feed
Lisa Cericola (she/her) is a writer and editor who specializes in travel, food, and culture. A South Florida native, Lisa lived in New York City for 15 years and now resides in beautiful Birmingham, Alabama. She has been an editor at Southern Living and Food Network Magazine and writes for numerous publications including Garden & Gun and Late Checkout. When she’s not working on a story, or planning her next trip, Lisa is likely making and selling small-batch olive oil granola at her local farmers market.
