What Is Composting and Why Should You Do It?

Composting is the natural process of recycling organic matter — food scraps, yard waste, and plant material — into a rich, dark soil amendment called compost. It's one of the best things you can do for your garden and one of the simplest ways to reduce household waste. Finished compost improves soil structure, feeds plants slowly, and builds a healthy population of soil organisms.

The Two Ingredients Every Compost Pile Needs

Successful composting comes down to balancing two types of material:

Greens (Nitrogen-Rich Materials)

These materials are moist and break down quickly. Examples include:

  • Fruit and vegetable scraps
  • Coffee grounds and tea bags
  • Fresh grass clippings
  • Plant trimmings

Browns (Carbon-Rich Materials)

These are dry, fibrous materials that provide structure and prevent the pile from becoming slimy. Examples include:

  • Dried leaves
  • Cardboard (torn into pieces, no glossy coating)
  • Straw and hay
  • Paper bags and newspaper

The general rule of thumb is a ratio of roughly 3 parts browns to 1 part greens by volume. Too many greens and the pile becomes wet and smelly; too many browns and it dries out and stops breaking down.

What NOT to Compost

  • Meat, fish, and dairy products (attract pests)
  • Oily or greasy foods
  • Diseased plants or weeds gone to seed
  • Pet waste (contains harmful pathogens)
  • Treated or painted wood

Setting Up Your Compost System

Option 1: Open Heap

The simplest approach — just pile materials in a corner of your yard. It works, but can look untidy and take longer (12–18 months) to produce finished compost.

Option 2: DIY Bin

Build a simple three-sided frame from wooden pallets or wire mesh. This keeps things tidy, retains heat, and speeds up the process significantly.

Option 3: Purchased Compost Bin

Closed plastic compost bins are widely available, affordable, and great for smaller yards. Tumbler-style bins make turning easy and can produce compost in as little as 4–8 weeks if managed well.

The Four Keys to Fast Composting

  1. Moisture: Your pile should feel like a wrung-out sponge — damp but not dripping. In dry weather, water it occasionally.
  2. Aeration: Turn the pile every 1–2 weeks with a fork or shovel to introduce oxygen, which speeds decomposition dramatically.
  3. Size: A pile at least 3 feet × 3 feet retains heat well. Too small and it won't generate the warmth needed to break down material efficiently.
  4. Particle size: Chop or shred materials before adding them. Smaller pieces decompose much faster than whole items.

How to Know When Compost Is Ready

Finished compost looks, smells, and feels like dark, rich soil. It should have an earthy smell (not rotten), a crumbly texture, and you shouldn't be able to identify the original ingredients. Unfinished compost can burn plant roots — so when in doubt, wait a bit longer.

Using Your Compost

Apply finished compost as a 2–3 inch top dressing on beds, mix it into planting holes, or use it as an ingredient in potting mix. Even small amounts make a noticeable difference in plant health and soil quality.