Want to learn how to compost?

Learning how to compost is not as difficult as you might think!

While there are numerous informational sources dedicated to providing you with instructions on how to compost, you can certainly customize this information to meet your needs, and make composting easier for you to accomplish.

As you may have noticed from reading my other web pages, I'm not one for a lot of fancy schmancy devices, or anything that has to do with high maintenance. I want to garden, I want to do it right, but I am not going to spend all my time and energy testing the soil, installing expensive equipment, ensuring the proper chemical reactions are occurring, etc. etc. When I was deciding how to compost in my own backyard, I knew it had to be a method that I would consider relatively quick and easy. There are several techniques that I have found to be quick and easy, and a number of choices for you to consider as you branch out into your own composting adventure.

Let's start by discussing the different compost making methods that are available to you.

Bin Composting

This method is probably the most “user friendly” for the average homeowner. Using a bin to create your compost is a relatively low maintenance alternative, and it does not create a nuisance, or eye-sore, for either you or your neighbors. This involves researching the various commercial bin composters available on the market, and deciding which one will work best for you and your yard. Models vary from those that sit neatly on the ground, to those that are suspended and must be “turned” on a regular basis. Follow this link to learn more about the bin composting methods available, including my personal favorite, the Compost Tumbler! (opens new window)

Compost Pile

This method may take the longest amount of time to actually produce useable compost for your garden, however the quality is usually superior to that produced by bin composting, and it may be easier for you to do if you have the time and patience to wait for your compost. A compost pile does require aeration however, so you will need to be prepared to "turn" your pile on a semi-regular basis. Aerating your compost pile regularly will produce a useable product more quickly. The less you aerate, the longer it will take to produce the finished product. Follow this link to learn more about how to establish a compost pile.

Worm composting

...Or vermicomposting, is a fascinating way to provide nutrient rich food to your plants and vegetables. Red worms, not your typical garden earth worms, are kept in a secure place, provided with the approved list of food, and essentially eat through the food, digest and then expel it to create an organically rich feast for your plants. Follow this link to learn more about how to start a worm compost adventure!

My Compost Making Methods

Curious about the methods I use in my own backyard? I love to compost, and I have a lot of yard to do it in. But I’m not kidding when I tell you that when I started learning how to compost, I knew I wouldn’t waste a lot of time tending to the piles. If you’re at all intimidated by the idea of making compost, please learn more about my "lazy" methods! I promise that you’ll be much more willing to experiment with how to compost on your own. I was able to convince my parents that it was easy enough to do, so hopefully I can convince you as well. (By the way, my parents have noticed how beneficial adding compost to their garden can be!) Follow this link to learn more about my gloriously lazy compost making ways!!

How to Compost - Adding the Proper Materials

Now that we’ve discussed the various ways on how to compost, let’s discuss the how to compost with the appropriate materials, and what can safely be added to your brew?

Kitchen scraps such as coffee grounds and filters, tea bags, egg shells, any raw fruits and vegetables such as celery, carrots, peppers, apples, papayas, avocados, tomatoes, lettuce, spinach, potatoes etc. etc. Basically any fruit or vegetable that has not come into contact with any other food, and is in its raw form. You can also add shredded newspaper to your compost, grass clippings (my personal favorite), leaves, pine needles, chopped up sticks, dirt, weeds, etc. The idea is to combine enough living material, such as grass clippings, with enough dead material, such as leaves or pine needles, along with enough moisture (which is usually added through kitchen scraps or living material) to create the perfect brown mixture.

I generally add about 70% live material with about 30% dead material. You'll read different information which breaks down these percentages to a higher scientific degree, and discusses how to compost with the exact amounts of certain chemicals that should be found in the compost.

I don't get that specific with my mixtures, and simply add whatever I have available depending on the season. I may not produce the dark brown, beautifully crumbly compost that is pictured on the advertisements, but my compost certainly does the job, and it's much easier for me than measuring the ingredients out perfectly. You have to decide how to compost using a method that works best for you and how much effort you want to invest in the process.

Are you still trying to decide if composting is right for you? Are you unsure about the benefits to your garden, or wonder why you would even want to consider such a process? Follow this link to learn more about why compost and the benefits to both you and the environment.

Thank you for visiting this website and learning about how to compost in your own backyard. As always, enjoy the process, don't take yourself too seriously, and have fun!

Have A Great Tip About Your Own Composting Adventure?

Share your tips and techniques with others!

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