How to Start Composting at Home: A Beginner’s Guide

I’m sure just the idea of composting can seem overwhelming, but we’re here to help you get started and make the journey easy. Composting at home is one of the simplest ways to reduce household waste and return nutrients to the soil, and you’ll be slinging “compost lingo” like a pro by the end of this series.

The good news is that you don’t need fancy composting equipment to begin. All you need is a spot of bare soil in a shady area to get started. After you’ve picked your location and cleared the ground, you’re ready to go.

What You Need to Start Composting

• A shady outdoor spot

• Yard materials like twigs, straw, or leaves

• Kitchen scraps and compostable materials

• Occasional watering or rain

• A rake or shovel to turn the pile

Starting simple is often the best way to build a successful compost habit.

Steps to Start a Compost Pile

1. Create a base layer
   Start by creating a layer of twigs or straw a few inches deep on the bare soil. This helps with drainage and improves airflow through the compost pile.

2. Add compost materials in layers
   Alternate between moist and dry materials.
   Moist ingredients include food scraps, tea bags, and seaweed.
   Dry materials include straw, leaves, sawdust, and wood ashes.

When using wood ashes or sawdust, sprinkle thin layers to prevent clumping, which can slow the breakdown process.

1. Add a nitrogen source
   To activate the compost pile and help it break down efficiently, add nitrogen-rich materials such as manure, clover, buckwheat, wheatgrass, or grass clippings.

2. Keep the compost moist
   Water occasionally or allow the pile to be exposed to rain. The goal is to keep the compost moist but not soaked.

3. Cover the compost pile
   Covering helps retain heat and moisture and prevents the pile from becoming overly saturated during heavy rain.

4. Turn the compost pile
   Turn the compost every few weeks to aerate it. Oxygen is essential for the natural process that breaks organic matter down into nutrient-rich compost.

5. Add new materials correctly
   Once your compost pile is established, mix new materials into the pile rather than placing them only on top. This helps maintain consistent decomposition.

Tips for Successful Composting

• Keep a balance of wet and dry materials

• Turn your pile regularly

• Chop larger scraps to help them break down faster

• Keep the pile slightly damp, not soggy

These small steps can make a big difference in how quickly compost forms.

What Can You Compost?

If you’re unsure what belongs in your compost pile, you can read our guide on what you can compost.

Understanding what to compost and what to avoid helps keep your pile healthy and odor-free.

To learn more about the importance of composting, check out our blog here.