How to Start Composting: A Guide for Beginners

You’ve probably heard about composting from an eco-conscious friend but don’t know what it is or worth doing. Don’t worry, I’ll break it all down for you below; let’s learn how to start composting!

Think of composting as a low-effort way to turn scraps into something your plants will thank you for. You don’t need to be a gardening pro; you just need a place to pile it up, a way to keep it turning, and a sense for what goes in and what doesn’t.

That pile of leaves in your yard or the leftover pumpkins from Halloween are not waste—they’re compost in the making. And once you get into it, you’ll see it’s a rhythm you can build into your routine, turning what would be trash into a little act of renewal right in your backyard.

Deciding Where to Compost

The first step in composting is figuring out where your compost will live. For those with outdoor space, a corner of the yard in a bin or pile can work wonders.

Choose a shady spot if possible; keeping it out of direct sunlight helps maintain moisture, which is essential for breaking down materials efficiently. Too much sun will dry out the pile, leading to slower decomposition and more work for you to keep it hydrated. Plus, having it in the shade makes it less likely you’ll have to turn and water it as frequently.

If you’re in an apartment or working with limited space, a small countertop compost bin or enclosed container tucked away in the kitchen can also work. Look for options that allow some airflow—compost thrives on a mix of air, moisture, and the right combination of organic waste.

Understanding Colors

When you start a compost pile, you’ll work with two main types of materials: greens and browns.

Greens are nitrogen-rich items like fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and grass clippings. These break down quickly and provide the pile with nutrients essential for plant growth, but using too many can make the compost overly wet and cause an unpleasant odor. Think of greens as the fuel that heats up the compost pile and speeds up the decomposition process.

Browns are carbon-rich materials like dried leaves, cardboard, and small branches. These items break down more slowly and are crucial for providing structure to the compost. Browns absorb moisture, prevent the pile from getting too soggy, and help keep things balanced by countering the nitrogen from greens. An ideal compost pile has about a 2:1 ratio of browns to greens, though composting is flexible enough to forgive minor imbalances.

Set Up Your Pile or Bin

Once you have your materials, it’s time to start building the pile. Begin with a layer of browns at the base of your pile or bin, which will allow for air circulation and prevent materials from compacting too much. Then, alternate between greens and browns, layering them like a lasagna. This layered structure helps keep the compost oxygenated, which is key for decomposition.

As you continue adding to the pile, remember to occasionally turn or mix the contents. This doesn’t have to be frequent—every week or two is fine—but it does help speed things along and prevent any anaerobic (oxygen-deprived) pockets from forming. A properly aerated compost pile will smell earthy, not unpleasant, and will start breaking down faster.

Add Some Moisture

Composting needs a bit of moisture, but not too much. Aim for the feel of a damp sponge, moist but not soggy. If the pile gets too dry, it can halt decomposition, while too much water can lead to mold or rot. To keep it balanced, check your compost regularly and add water if the materials feel dry to the touch. If it’s too wet, incorporate more browns, as these materials absorb excess moisture and can help restore the balance.

Rain can also impact your compost. If your compost is in an open pile, cover it during heavy rains to prevent it from becoming overly saturated. Alternatively, add a layer of straw or additional brown materials to soak up any excess.

What to Compost (and What Not To)

Most kitchen scraps and garden waste make excellent compost materials, but a few items are better left out. Good candidates for composting include fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, eggshells, grass clippings, leaves, and cardboard or paper (non-glossy and free of ink).

However, it’s best to avoid items like meat, dairy, fats, and oils, as these can attract pests and produce foul smells. Diseased plants, weeds that have gone to seed, and treated wood or chemically laden materials should also be kept out of the pile. While there’s some flexibility in composting, sticking to natural, organic waste without added chemicals is a safe rule of thumb.

How to Speed Up the Composting Process

If you’re looking to speed things along, consider adding a few elements that help decomposition. Chopping or shredding larger items, like branches or thick veggie peels, creates more surface area for microbes to break down the material. You can also sprinkle a bit of soil between layers to introduce beneficial bacteria that kickstart the composting process.

Incorporating worms—if you’re comfortable with them—adds another level of decomposition. Worms accelerate the breakdown by eating through organic material and leaving behind nutrient-rich worm castings, which enhance the compost. Just ensure that your pile isn’t too hot if you’re adding worms, as they prefer cooler, stable conditions to do their work.

Aerate Your Compost

When you turn or mix the pile, you’re allowing oxygen to reach more of the compost, which helps break down materials and prevents odors. You don’t need to turn the pile daily; in fact, once every two weeks is typically enough.

For those with a bin system, simply rotate the composting materials from one bin to the other or mix it in place if your bin has a built-in tumbler. For larger piles, a pitchfork or shovel works well for turning materials. Aim to bring the outer layers into the center, where they’ll decompose more quickly with the added heat and bacteria.

How Long Does Composting Take?

Composting requires some patience, as it can take anywhere from a few months to a year for everything to break down fully. Finished compost will have an earthy smell, a rich, dark color, and a crumbly texture. If there are still recognizable pieces of fruit peels or leaves, your compost might need a bit more time, but it’s okay to sift these out and let them finish breaking down in a new pile.

If you plan to use the compost in your garden, make sure it’s fully decomposed to avoid attracting pests. However, for general soil improvement or mulch, compost can be used even if it’s not completely broken down; it will continue to decompose in the soil, adding nutrients over time.

How to Use Your Compost

Once your compost is ready, you can store it in a separate container or pile if you’re not ready to use it immediately. A covered bin or barrel will help protect it from the elements and keep it fresh for the next planting season.

Using compost in the garden is straightforward. Apply it as a top layer around plants, work it into garden beds to boost soil nutrients, or add it to potted plants for a natural boost. Compost is an incredibly versatile addition, whether you’re growing vegetables and flowers or just want healthier soil overall.