How to Start Composting at Home and Save the Planet: The Ultimate Guide to Composting at Home for Beginners
Do you want to turn your kitchen scraps and garden waste into a valuable resource for your garden and the planet? Do you want to reduce your environmental impact and save money on commercial composts and fertilizers? Do you want to learn how to make your own compost at home in a simple and effective way?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then this blog post is for you. In this ultimate guide, we will show you everything you need to know about getting started with composting at home. You will learn:
What composting is and why it is beneficial for the environment and your garden
How to choose a compost bin or heap that suits your space and needs
How to fill your compost bin or heap with the right materials and proportions
How to speed up the composting process and avoid common problems
How to use your finished compost in your garden or pots
By the end of this guide, you will be able to start your own composting journey and enjoy the rewards of making your own “black gold”. Composting at home is a great way to reduce your waste, save money, improve your soil, and help the planet. It’s also fun, easy, and satisfying.
But don’t take our word for it. Here are some facts and stats that will blow your mind:
Composting can divert up to 30% of household waste away from landfills
Composting can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20% compared to landfilling
Composting can increase soil organic matter by 50% over 10 years
Composting can save you up to £200 per year on fertilizers
So, are you ready to join the composting revolution? Let’s get started!
How to choose a compost bin or heap
What are the types of compost bins or heaps? There are many types of compost bins or heaps available, depending on your space, budget, and preference. Some of the most common ones are:
o Plastic bins: These are usually cone-shaped or cylindrical containers made of recycled plastic. They have a lid on top and a hatch at the bottom to access the finished compost. They are easy to set up, durable, and affordable. However, they may not retain heat well, which can slow down the composting process. They may also be difficult to turn or aerate. If you want a plastic bin, look for one that has ventilation holes, a tight-fitting lid, and a large opening at the bottom.
o Wooden bins: These are usually square or rectangular boxes made of wooden planks or pallets. They have slats or gaps between the planks to allow air circulation. They are sturdy, natural-looking, and can be easily expanded or dismantled. However, they may rot over time, attract pests, or require more maintenance. If you want a wooden bin, look for one that is made of untreated wood, has removable sides or front panels, and has a cover to protect it from rain.
o Tumbling bins: These are usually barrel-shaped containers that can be rotated or turned by a handle or a crank. They have vents or holes to allow airflow. They are convenient, neat, and can produce compost faster than other types of bins. However, they may be expensive, heavy, or hard to fill or empty. If you want a tumbling bin, look for one that has sturdy legs or base, a locking mechanism to prevent spills, and a balanced design to make turning easier.
o Open heaps: These are simply piles of organic matter that are left to decompose naturally. They have no structure or container and can be any shape or size. They are cheap, simple, and flexible. However, they may look messy, smell bad, lose heat easily, or attract unwanted animals. If you want an open heap, look for a spot that is level, well-drained, sheltered, and shady. You can also cover your heap with a tarp or a layer of straw to keep it moist and warm.
How to choose the best compost bin or heap for you? The best compost bin or heap for you depends on several factors, such as:
o The amount of waste you produce: If you have a large garden or kitchen that generates a lot of waste, you may need a bigger bin or heap that can accommodate it. If you have a small garden or kitchen that produces less waste, you may prefer a smaller bin or heap that can fit in your space. A good rule of thumb is to have at least one cubic meter of volume for your bin or heap.
o The speed of composting you want: If you want to make compost quickly, you may need a bin or heap that can retain heat well and allow easy turning or aeration. This will speed up the decomposition process and produce compost faster. If you don’t mind waiting longer for your compost, you may choose a bin or heap that is slower but simpler to use. A hot composting system can produce compost in as little as 14 days, while a cold composting system can take up to two years.
o The location of your bin or heap: If you have a sunny spot in your garden that is well-drained and accessible, you may choose any type of bin or heap that suits your needs. If you have a shady spot in your garden that is damp and hard to reach, you may need a bin or heap that is waterproof and easy to move. You should also consider the aesthetics and smell of your bin or heap and how it will affect your neighbors.
How to set up your compost bin or heap? Once you have chosen your compost bin or heap, you need to set it up properly to start composting. Here are some steps to follow:
o Choose a suitable spot for your bin or heap: It’s best to site it on a level, well-drained spot that will ensure that any excess water drains away easily. This also helps worms to get in and begin the job of breaking down the content. Choose a sheltered, shady spot for your bin or heap, ideally directly on the soil. This will prevent it from drying out too much in summer or freezing in winter.
o Prepare the base for your bin or heap: If you are using a plastic bin, you may need to dig a shallow hole in the ground and place some bricks or stones at the bottom to create drainage and ventilation. If you are using a wooden bin, you may need to assemble it according to the instructions and secure it with nails or screws. If you are using a tumbling bin, you may need to attach it to a stand or frame and make sure it is stable and balanced. If you are using an open heap, you may need to mark out an area with stakes or string and clear away any weeds or grass.
o Add some starter material to your bin or heap: To kickstart the composting process, you may need to add some starter material to your bin or heap. This can be some finished compost, garden soil, manure, or compost activator. This will introduce some beneficial microorganisms and worms that will help break down the organic matter. Spread a thin layer of starter material at the bottom of your bin or heap and moisten it slightly with water.
How to fill your compost bin or heap
What are the materials you can compost? You can compost a wide range of organic matter from your garden and kitchen if it is biodegradable and not harmful to the environment or your plants. Some of the materials you can compost are:
Green materials: These are materials that are rich in nitrogen and moisture, such as grass clippings, vegetable and fruit peelings, coffee grounds, tea bags, fresh weeds (without seeds), and cut flowers. They provide food for the microorganisms and worms that break down the compost. They also add heat and speed up the composting process.
Brown materials: These are materials that are rich in carbon and fibre, such as dry leaves, straw, hay, shredded paper, cardboard, eggshells, wood ash, and sawdust. They provide structure and air spaces for the compost and balance out the green materials. They also slow down the composting process and prevent it from becoming too wet or smelly.
Other materials: These are materials that can be composted but may need some special care or precautions, such as cooked food scraps, meat, fish, dairy products, bones, citrus peels, onion skins, garlic cloves, and diseased plants. They may attract pests or cause odours if not buried deep enough or mixed well with other materials. They also need more time and heat to decompose.
What are the materials you should not compost? There are some materials that you should not compost because they may be toxic, harmful, or slow to decompose. Some of the materials you should not compost are:
Synthetic materials: These are materials that are not biodegradable or natural, such as plastic, metal, glass, rubber, or treated wood. They will not break down in the compost and may contaminate it with chemicals or pollutants. They also take up valuable space in your bin or heap.
Invasive plants: These are plants that are aggressive or persistent and may spread or regrow in the compost or in your garden, such as ivy, bindweed, couch grass, horsetail, or Japanese knotweed. They may also carry seeds or roots that can survive the composting process. They also compete with other plants for nutrients and water.
Pet waste: This is waste from animals that eat meat or processed food, such as dogs, cats, birds, or rodents. It may contain pathogens or parasites that can be harmful to humans or plants. It may also cause odours or attract pests to your compost bin or heap. It also adds too much nitrogen to your compost.
How to layer your compost bin or heap? To make good compost, you need to layer your compost bin or heap with a mix of green and brown materials in roughly even quantities. The main rule is not to let one material dominate the heap. A glut of autumn leaves will decompose very slowly and would be better used making leaf mould. Here are some steps to follow :
Add a layer of 3 to 4 inches of green materials. This is the first third of the nitrogen-rich material. For example, fresh leaf trimmings, grass clippings, fruit and vegetable scraps.
Sprinkle 1 or 2 inches of soil on top (or finished compost). This will introduce some beneficial microorganisms and worms that will help break down the organic matter.
Then lay down about 6 to 8 inches of brown materials. This is the other two thirds of the carbon-rich material. For example, dry leaves, straw, shredded paper, and cardboard.
Repeat these layers until your bin or heap is full. You can also add some water between each layer if the material is very dry. The ideal moisture level is like a wrung-out sponge.
Cover your bin or heap with a lid or a tarp. This will protect it from rain or snow and keep it warm and moist.
How to speed up the composting process
What are the factors that affect the composting process? The composting process is influenced by several factors, such as:
Temperature: The higher the temperature, the faster the decomposition. The ideal temperature range for composting is between 40°C and 60°C. This is called the thermophilic or hot composting stage. It kills weed seeds and pathogens and produces compost in a few weeks or months. However, if the temperature is too high, it may kill beneficial organisms or cause fire hazards. The lower the temperature, the slower the decomposition. This is called the mesophilic or cold composting stage. It does not kill weed seeds or pathogens and produces compost in a few months or years.
Moisture: The optimal moisture level for composting is between 40% and 60%. This is like a wrung-out sponge. It provides enough water for the microorganisms and worms to thrive and transport nutrients. However, if the moisture level is too high, it may cause anaerobic conditions, odours, or leachate. If the moisture level is too low, it may cause dehydration, dormancy, or death of the organisms.
Oxygen: The more oxygen there is, the better the composting process. Oxygen is essential for aerobic or ‘with air’ composting, which is faster, cleaner, and more efficient than anaerobic or ‘without air’ composting. Oxygen allows the microorganisms and worms to breathe and multiply. However, if there is not enough oxygen, it may cause anaerobic conditions, odours, or methane emissions.
How to optimize these factors to speed up the composting process? There are some techniques that you can use to optimize these factors and speed up the composting process:
Chopping and shredding your materials: The smaller the pieces of organic matter, the larger the surface area for the microorganisms and worms to work on. This will accelerate decomposition and heat generation. You can use a shredder, a mower, a knife, or scissors to chop and shred your materials before adding them to your bin or heap.
Balancing your green and brown materials: The ideal ratio of green to brown materials for composting is between 25:1 and 30:1 by weight. This will provide enough nitrogen and carbon for the microorganisms and worms to grow and reproduce. It will also balance out the moisture and fiber content of your bin or heap.
Turning your bin or heap regularly: Turning your bin or heap every few days or weeks will introduce more oxygen into the mix and distribute the heat evenly. This will prevent anaerobic conditions and hot spots from forming and keep the decomposition going. You can use a fork, a shovel, a rake, or a tumbler to turn your bin or heap.
Adding compost activators: Compost activators are substances that boost the activity of the microorganisms and worms in your bin or heap. They can be natural or synthetic, such as finished compost, soil, manure, blood meal, bone meal, seaweed extract, or commercial products. They can speed up the composting process by providing extra nitrogen, enzymes, bacteria, or fungi. You can sprinkle them on top of each layer of materials in your bin or heap.
How to use a hot composting system to make compost faster? If you want to make compost faster than ever before, you may want to try a hot composting system. This is a method that uses high temperatures (between 55°C and 65°C) to decompose organic matter in as little as 14 days (although you may need to let it mature for a few weeks before using it). Here are some steps to follow:
Collect enough materials: To start a hot composting system, you need to collect enough materials to fill your bin or heap at once. You need about one cubic meter of volume for your bin or heap. You also need to balance your green and brown materials in a ratio of about 2:1 by volume (not by weight). This will provide enough nitrogen and carbon for your system.
Mix and moisten your materials: Before adding your materials to your bin or heap, you need to mix and moisten them well. You can use a wheelbarrow, a tarp, or a large container to do this. You need to make sure that your materials are evenly mixed and moistened, but not soggy. The ideal moisture level is like a wrung-out sponge.
Fill your bin or heap: Once your materials are ready, you need to fill your bin or heap as quickly as possible. You can use a shovel, a bucket, or a hose to do this. You need to pack your materials tightly and evenly, leaving no air pockets or gaps. You also need to cover your bin or heap with a lid or a tarp to keep it warm and moist.
Monitor and turn your bin or heap: After filling your bin or heap, you need to monitor and turn it regularly. You can use a thermometer, a stick, or your hand to check the temperature of your bin or heap. You need to keep it between 55°C and 65°C for optimal decomposition. If it gets too hot, you need to turn it to cool it down and introduce more oxygen. If it gets too cold, you need to turn it to heat it up and mix the materials. You should turn your bin or heap every two or three days for the first two weeks, then every week for the next two weeks.
Congratulations! You have learned everything you need to know about composting at home for beginners. We’ve covered:
What composting is and why it is beneficial for the environment and your garden
How to choose a compost bin or heap that suits your space and needs
How to fill your compost bin or heap with the right materials and proportions
How to speed up the composting process and avoid common problems
By following these steps, you will be able to start your own composting journey and enjoy the rewards of making your own “black gold”. Composting at home is a great way to reduce your waste, save money, improve your soil, and help the planet. It’s also fun, easy, and satisfying.
So, are you ready to join the composting revolution? We hope you found this ultimate guide to composting at home for beginners helpful and informative. Now we want to hear from you. Have you tried composting at home? What are your composting tips and tricks? Do you have any questions or challenges? Let us know or share your composting stories and photos with us on Facebook. We would love to see your composting successes and learn from your experiences. Happy composting!
