Composting 101: Turn Kitchen Scraps into Garden Gold

Composting is one of the easiest, most rewarding ways to reduce waste, improve your garden, and feel more connected to the growing cycle. And there’s no better time to start than March—just before planting season kicks off in full swing.

Whether you’re brand new or need a refresher, this guide covers the basics of composting at home using food scraps, yard waste, and a little patience.

What is Compost?

Compost is decomposed organic matter—think food scraps, leaves, and garden waste—that transforms into rich, dark, nutrient-dense soil. Gardeners call it “black gold” for a reason: it feeds your plants, improves soil structure, and boosts water retention.

What You Can Compost

✅ Greens (nitrogen-rich):

• Fruit and veggie scraps

• Coffee grounds and tea bags

• Plant trimmings

• Fresh grass clippings

✅ Browns (carbon-rich):

• Dry leaves

• Shredded newspaper or cardboard

• Straw or hay

• Egg cartons (non-glossy)

🚫 Avoid These:

• Meat, dairy, and grease

• Diseased plants

• Pet waste

• Glossy or plastic-lined paper

How to Start Composting

1. Choose a Bin or Spot

Use a compost tumbler, plastic bin, wooden pallet bin, or just a backyard pile. Pick a spot with good drainage and partial shade if possible.

2. Layer Greens and Browns

Start with a layer of browns, then alternate with green material. Aim for a 2:1 ratio (2 parts browns to 1 part greens).

3. Turn or Stir Weekly

Aerating your pile speeds decomposition. Mix with a pitchfork or compost crank every week or two.

4. Keep It Moist (Like a Wringed-Out Sponge)

Too dry? Add water and more greens. Too wet? Add more browns and stir.

When Will It Be Ready?

Depending on your setup and climate, compost takes 2–6 months to break down. It’s ready when:

• It’s dark, crumbly, and earthy-smelling

• You no longer recognize the original materials

Troubleshooting Tips

Problem Cause Fix Bad smell Too much green/wet material Add browns and stir Dry and slow Not enough water Moisten and turn Attracting pests Food scraps too exposed Bury them in center of pile

Compost & Your Garden

Use finished compost to:

• Mix into planting beds or containers

• Top-dress your lawn or flower beds

• Brew compost tea to water seedlings

• Boost soil health naturally, without synthetic fertilizers

Start Now with a Simple Scrap Bucket

Keep a small countertop bin or bucket to collect kitchen scraps. Empty it into your outdoor pile a few times per week.

Love and Vegetables: Helping you grow less waste and more life—one bucket at a time.