Composting for Beginners
Compost is decomposed organic material that can improve garden soil.
You do not need fancy equipment to make it.
What Compost Does
Finished compost can:
- Improve soil structure
- Increase organic matter
- Support soil organisms
- Help soil hold moisture
- Add small amounts of nutrients
Browns and Greens
A healthy compost pile combines two broad material types.
Browns
High-carbon materials such as:
- Dry leaves
- Straw
- Shredded cardboard
- Small woody material
Greens
Higher-nitrogen materials such as:
- Vegetable scraps
- Coffee grounds
- Fresh grass clippings
- Green garden waste
A Simple Ratio
You do not need perfect math.
Aim for more browns than greens by volume.
If the pile smells bad, add browns.
If it is not breaking down, it may need more greens, moisture, or turning.
Moisture
A compost pile should feel like a wrung-out sponge.
Too dry:
- Decomposition slows
Too wet:
- The pile becomes anaerobic and smelly
Air
Turning the pile introduces oxygen.
You can turn:
- Weekly for faster compost
- Less often for slower compost
Both methods work.
Size Matters
A pile around 3 feet by 3 feet by 3 feet can hold heat well.
Smaller piles still decompose, just more slowly.
When Is Compost Finished?
Finished compost should:
- Smell earthy
- Be dark and crumbly
- No longer resemble most original materials
GardenGrowz Tip
Composting does not need to be perfect.
If organic matter eventually becomes dark and earthy, you are doing it right.