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What is Composting?
- Nature’s way of recycling organic matter
- Turns organic material into nutrient-rich compost
- Reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills
- Supports healthier soil and plants
Practical Composting Help
Find the answer you need.
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Getting Started
- Choose a composting method that fits your space
- Gather browns, greens, moisture, and air
- Start small and build a balanced mix
- Watch moisture and adjust as needed
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Home Composting
- Compare outdoor bins, piles, tumblers, and indoor options
- Pick a method that fits your available space
- Keep food covered with carbon-rich browns
- Vermicomposting is one useful indoor method
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What Can I Compost?
Good to Compost
Fruits & vegetables
Coffee grounds & paper filters
Eggshells
Leaves & yard trimmings
Shredded plain paper & cardboard
Keep Out
Meat, fish & bones
Dairy products
Oils & grease
Pet waste
Plastic & glossy coated paper
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Using Compost
- Mix finished compost into garden beds and containers
- Top-dress established plants
- Use it to improve soil structure and organic matter
- A little goes a long way when compost is mature
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Troubleshooting
Smelly?Add dry browns and improve airflow.
Too dry?Add water gradually until the mix feels like a wrung-out sponge.
Too wet?Add shredded cardboard or leaves and mix them in.
Pests?Bury fresh food and avoid problem materials.
Not breaking down?Check particle size, moisture, and the green-to-brown balance.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to make compost?
It depends on the method, size of the materials, moisture, temperature, airflow, and how often the pile is managed. An active hot pile can finish much faster than a passive pile.
Can I compost in the winter?
Yes. Decomposition usually slows as temperatures drop, but a well-sized pile can continue working. Keep adding balanced materials and expect a slower pace.
Do I need a special compost bin?
No. A bin can help with neatness, moisture, and pest control, but successful compost can also be made in a pile, tumbler, worm bin, or other managed system.
Why does my compost smell bad?
Strong odors usually mean the pile is too wet, compacted, or overloaded with nitrogen-rich material. Mix in dry browns and improve airflow.
Is compost ready if I can still recognize food scraps?
Usually not. Finished compost should look dark and crumbly, smell earthy, and contain little recognizable original material.
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