What Is Composting?
Composting is nature's way of recycling. Microorganisms, worms, and insects break down organic matter (food scraps, leaves, grass clippings) into a dark, crumbly, earthy-smelling material called compost or "black gold." It enriches soil, retains moisture, and reduces the need for chemical fertilizers.
Hot vs. Cold Composting
There are two main approaches:
- Hot composting — Build a large pile (3x3x3 ft minimum) with the right ratio of greens to browns. The pile heats up to 130–160°F, breaking down material in as little as 3–4 weeks. Requires turning every few days.
- Cold composting — Simply add material to a bin or pile as you collect it. Takes 6–12 months but requires very little effort. Best for casual gardeners.
Tip: Most home gardeners start with cold composting. If you want faster results and don't mind the work, go hot!
What Goes In — Greens & Browns
Composting works best with a mix of nitrogen-rich "greens" and carbon-rich "browns." Aim for roughly 1 part greens to 2–3 parts browns.
| Greens (Nitrogen) | Browns (Carbon) |
|---|
| Vegetable & fruit scraps | Dry leaves |
| Grass clippings | Straw or hay |
| Coffee grounds & filters | Shredded newspaper |
| Tea bags | Cardboard (non-glossy) |
| Fresh plant trimmings | Wood chips or sawdust |
| Eggshells | Twigs & small branches |
What To Avoid
- ❌ Meat, fish, or bones — attract pests and smell
- ❌ Dairy products — same issue
- ❌ Oily or greasy foods
- ❌ Diseased plants — can spread pathogens
- ❌ Weeds that have gone to seed
- ❌ Pet waste (cats/dogs) — can contain parasites
- ❌ Glossy or coated paper
Setting Up Your Compost Bin
You can buy a bin or build one. A simple DIY approach:
- Find a spot with good drainage, partial sun
- Use a 3x3x3 ft wooden pallet bin, wire cylinder, or plastic tumbler
- Start with a 4–6 inch layer of coarse browns (twigs, straw) for airflow
- Alternate layers of greens and browns, watering each lightly
- Cover the top to retain moisture (a tarp or lid works)
Maintenance Tips
- Turn it. Every 1–2 weeks if hot composting; every month or two for cold.
- Keep it moist. Like a wrung-out sponge — damp but not soggy.
- Size matters. Chop scraps into smaller pieces for faster breakdown.
- Watch for smell. A bad smell means too many greens or not enough air. Add browns and turn.
When Is It Ready?
Finished compost is dark brown, crumbly, and smells like earth. It should no longer be warm in the center and you shouldn't recognize the original ingredients. This takes anywhere from 3 months (hot) to 1 year (cold).
Use it: Mix into garden beds, top-dress your lawn, brew compost tea, or use as mulch around trees and shrubs. Your plants will thank you!
← Back to all guides
Greens N Berries