Hey there, fellow green-thumbed friends! Are you looking for a way to reduce your waste and turn it into something useful for your garden? Well, we’ve got just the thing - a compost pile! In this blog, we’ll go over the basics of starting a compost pile in your backyard so you can get started on your sustainable journey.

What is Composting? ♻️

Composting is the process of breaking down organic material, such as food scraps and yard waste, into a nutrient-rich soil amendment. This process is done by introducing microorganisms, like bacteria and fungi, that break down the organic material over time. In return, the microorganisms produce a dark, crumbly substance that is perfect for planting and gardening.

Why Compost? 🤔

Composting is beneficial for both the environment and your garden. By composting, you are reducing the amount of waste you send to the landfill, where it would produce methane gas (a potent greenhouse gas) as it decomposes. Instead, you can use the resulting compost to enrich the soil in your garden or house plants, which can help retain moisture and reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers.

Getting Started 🌿

Step 1: Choose a location

The first step is to select a location in your backyard where you can place your compost pile. A shaded area with good drainage is ideal. Make sure the area is accessible, but not in the way of foot traffic or close to neighbor’s yards.

A backyard with a compost pile against a fence in the corner

Step 2: Gather your materials

You will need a variety of organic materials to create a balanced compost pile. These include browns (like autumn leaves, straw, and shredded paper), greens (like fruit and vegetable scraps, grass clippings, and coffee grounds), and water. The ideal ratio is 3 parts browns to 1 part greens.

Step 3: Start your pile

Begin by layering your browns and greens evenly in your compost pile. Use a large container or a pitchfork to mix the materials together.

A person holding a pitchfork and mixing materials in a compost pile.

Step 4: Keep it moist

Make sure to keep your compost pile moist, but not too wet. A good rule of thumb is to keep it as damp as a damp sponge. Water it as needed, but be careful not to overwater.

Step 5: Turn it over

Every few weeks, use a pitchfork to turn over your compost pile. This will help aerate it and speed up the decomposition process.

A person turning over a compost pile with a pitchfork.

What to Compost and What Not to Compost 🌽

You can compost a variety of materials, including:

  • Fruit and vegetable scraps
  • Coffee grounds and filters
  • Tea bags
  • Eggshells
  • Leaves and grass clippings
  • Shredded paper

However, it’s important to avoid composting meat or dairy products, pet waste, and anything treated with pesticides.

Some municipalities also have restrictions on what can and can’t be composted in your backyard, so it’s always a good idea to check with your local government to see what their guidelines are.

Troubleshooting Tips 🛠️

Sometimes, your compost pile may not be breaking down as quickly as you would like. Here are some tips to troubleshoot common problems:

  • If your compost pile smells bad, it may be too wet or have too much green material. Add more browns or dry materials to balance it out.
  • If your compost pile is not breaking down, it may not have enough nitrogen. Add more green material or nitrogen-rich fertilizer to help it along.
  • If your compost pile is attracting pests, cover it with a tarp or add more browns to the top layer.

Wrapping Up 🎁

Starting a compost pile in your backyard is a great way to reduce waste and enrich your soil at the same time. By following these tips and taking care of your compost pile, you’ll be on your way to creating a sustainable and bountiful garden.

A backyard with a lovely garden and a compost pile in the corner. A caption below it says "Happy composting!"