Ready to reduce waste and enrich your soil? Composting is one of the most powerful (and free!) tools a gardener can use.
Composting transforms food waste, leaves, and garden debris into nutrient-rich soil. Here’s how to get started in 5 simple steps:
1. Pick a Spot
Choose a dry, shady area in your yard, or use a compost bin. Apartment dwellers can try a countertop or tumbler composter.
2. Know What to Add
✅ Good: fruit and veggie scraps, coffee grounds, eggshells, grass clippings, leaves
❌ Avoid: meat, dairy, greasy foods, pet waste
3. Balance Browns and Greens
Alternate layers of “greens” (wet materials like food scraps) and “browns” (dry materials like leaves and paper). Aim for 2:1 browns to greens.
4. Keep It Moist and Turn Often
Think damp sponge—not soggy. Turn your pile every 1–2 weeks to aerate and speed up decomposition.
5. Harvest Your Compost
After 2–3 months (or more depending on the method), your compost will be dark, crumbly, and smell earthy. Add it to garden beds, potted plants, or topdress your lawn.
Bonus: Composting can reduce household waste by up to 30%!
Community Idea: Start a compost exchange in your neighborhood or garden club!