Composting is one of the simplest and most effective ways to nourish your garden naturally. It transforms everyday kitchen scraps and garden waste into rich, dark, crumbly humus that improves soil structure, retains moisture, and feeds plants organically. Whether you have a large backyard or just a balcony, composting can become an essential part of your gardening practice.
In this blog, we’ll cover the basics of composting, how to get started, what to compost, what to avoid, and how to troubleshoot common problems.
Why Compost?
Compost feeds your soil, not just your plants. It provides a slow-release source of nutrients and helps soil retain water, which is especially important in dry climates. It also improves drainage in heavy soils and increases microbial activity, making your garden more resilient and productive.
By composting, you’re also reducing household waste. Organic material that ends up in landfills produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Composting at home keeps valuable organic matter out of the trash and turns it into something your garden will love.
The Basic Ingredients of Compost
Good composting comes down to the right balance of four elements: green materials, brown materials, water, and air.
Green materials are rich in nitrogen. These include fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, tea leaves, fresh grass clippings, and garden trimmings.
Brown materials are rich in carbon. These include dry leaves, cardboard, paper, straw, sawdust, and shredded newspaper.
To maintain a healthy compost pile, aim for a ratio of roughly 2–3 parts brown to 1 part green. Too much green and your pile may start to smell. Too much brown and decomposition may slow down.
What You Can Compost
- Vegetable and fruit scraps (raw, not cooked)
- Coffee grounds and filters
- Tea bags (without plastic)
- Crushed eggshells
- Yard trimmings and grass clippings
- Dry leaves and twigs
- Shredded paper and cardboard
- Hair and pet fur (in small amounts)
What to Avoid
- Meat, dairy, and oily food scraps (these attract pests and smell)
- Cooked food
- Pet waste from cats and dogs
- Diseased plants
- Glossy or heavily inked paper
- Plastics, metals, or glass
How to Start Composting
You can start composting in a bin, pile, tumbler, or even a worm composting system (vermicomposting). Choose a location with good drainage and partial sun.
- Add a layer of brown materials (dry leaves, cardboard)
- Add a layer of green materials (food scraps, grass clippings)
- Moisten the pile slightly (it should feel like a wrung-out sponge)
- Turn or mix the pile regularly to introduce air
- Continue adding materials, balancing greens and browns
Over time — typically 2 to 3 months in warm conditions — your compost will darken, smell earthy, and become crumbly. That means it’s ready to use.
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
Bad smell? You may have too many greens. Add more browns and mix well.
Too dry? Add water and mix in moist greens like fruit scraps.
Not breaking down? Materials may be too large or the pile may be too dry or cold. Chop materials smaller and turn the pile more often.
Attracting pests? Avoid adding food scraps on top. Bury them in the pile and cover with browns.
Using Your Finished Compost
You can use compost in many ways:
- Mix it into garden beds before planting
- Use it as a top dressing around existing plants
- Add it to potting mixes
- Sprinkle it on your lawn or around trees and shrubs
Compost won’t burn plants like synthetic fertilizers can. It feeds slowly and improves soil over time, making your garden more self-sustaining.
