Composting 101: Making the Most of Your Backyard Debris and Food Scraps

The Importance of Composting

Composting may not be glamorous, but it’s one of the most impactful practices we can adopt for a healthier planet. Regardless of your gardening experience or space, composting can significantly reduce waste and enhance soil quality—even if you don’t maintain a garden.

Why Composting Matters

Soil is our most vital non-renewable resource, sequestering over 4,000 billion tonnes of carbon, which is far more than forests can store. Healthy soil is the backbone of our food system, providing essential minerals like iron, magnesium, and zinc that are crucial for human health. Moreover, the microscopic life in soil—such as bacteria and fungi—plays a vital role in detoxifying pollutants, fixing nitrogen for plant uptake, and managing greenhouse gases like methane and nitrous oxides.

Sadly, about 24 billion tons of fertile soil are lost every year due to erosion and poor farming practices. The good news is that healthy soil can be regenerated, and you can play a part by composting—especially during the fall when there’s an abundance of leaves and other organic materials waiting to be repurposed.

Getting Started with Composting

Choose the Right Location

Selecting an ideal location for your compost pile is crucial for its success. Look for a spot that’s easily accessible, preferably close to your home to encourage regular maintenance. A sunny area is ideal for heating up the pile, while some shade can help retain moisture. This balance promotes quicker decomposition and prevents the pile from drying out. Avoid placing your compost too far away; if it’s out of sight, it may quickly be out of mind.

Decide on a Bin or Pile

You have options when it comes to structuring your compost: a bin or a free-standing pile. If you live in a crowded area or have concerns about pests, a compost bin can help contain the materials and keep them out of reach. Compost bins come in various forms—some can be purchased from garden stores, while others can be made from untreated wood or old pallets. Aim for a size of at least 1 cubic yard (3 ft³) to ensure adequate heat generation for efficient decomposition.

Understand the Materials

Successful composting hinges on the right mix of materials, categorized as “green” and “brown”:

• Green materials are nitrogen-rich and include wet items such as fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and fresh grass clippings. These materials provide the essential nutrients that fuel the decomposition process.
• Brown materials are carbon-rich and consist of dry items like dried leaves, straw, and shredded cardboard. These help balance the moisture in the compost and promote aeration.

Aim for a 1:1 weight ratio of green to brown materials to ensure an effective breakdown. Focusing on balancing greens and browns will help you avoid unpleasant odors and facilitate effective decomposition. 

What Not to Compost

When composting, certain materials should be avoided. Steer clear of oils, meat, and dairy, as these items can attract pests and produce strong odors. Additionally, never include diseased plants, as they can contaminate the compost. For brown materials, breaking them into smaller pieces increases the surface area, promoting quicker decomposition.

Maintaining Your Compost

Turning the compost pile can accelerate decomposition by aerating the materials, but it’s not an absolute requirement. A low-maintenance approach is to layer about 15 sections of green and brown materials and let the pile sit undisturbed. If you notice the pile is too wet or dense, turning it can help distribute the materials and improve airflow.

You’ll know your compost is ready when it appears dark, crumbly, and has a rich, earthy smell—a sign that it’s transformed into nutrient-dense “black gold” for your plants.

Conclusion

Starting a compost pile offers numerous benefits: it reduces landfill waste, enriches soil, and reconnects you with the natural cycles of life. Composting is a simple yet powerful way to contribute positively to the environment. Embrace the process, and enjoy the rewards of your efforts in the form of healthy soil for your garden!

Happy composting!