My Simplified Guide to Composting
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Composting doesn’t have to be complicated! Though if you look online for info on how to get started composting, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with all the info that’s our there.
I personally take a much more relaxed and simplified approach when it comes to composting. And I thought it would be fun and hopefully helpful to share my approach with you on the blog today!
So whether you’re new to gardening, or just wanting to get started with composting for the first time, you’re in the right place! I’ll walk you through the basics so you can get started today.
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This post will just highlight the important stuff, the stuff you actually need to know about composting, and my take on all the rest too. Think of it like Composting: 101.
I’ll walk you through all the things you actually need to know like what you can and can’t compost, how to use fresh compost in your garden, and I’ll share some of my favorite composting tools too.
But before we get into all that, let’s chat about the benefits of composting and why you might want to try it out!
Benefits of Composting
Our family started composting about a couple years ago, and it’s one of those chores that doesn’t really even feel like a chore.
It’s kind of fun. The kids especially love spinning our big compost bin after we add more ingredients to the pile!
Making your own compost is a great way to offer some extra nutrition to your plants, and it’s good for the environment.
When you compost things that otherwise would be going in the trash, you’re not only sending less trash to the landfill, but you’re also literally creating more soil and adding nutrients back into the earth.
I’m not an expert gardener by any means, more like a hobby gardener.
But I still find a lot of value in composting. Both for the environment and for the plant babies of mine that have survived my not so green thumbs!
Things You Can Compost
The main thing you need to know in order to get started composting is what types of things can actually be composted.
This list is not exhaustive, but gives you a good idea of the types of things you can add to your compost pile.
What to add to your compost bin:
- fruits and vegetable scraps
- egg shells
- nut shells
- coffee grounds
- tea bags (be sure to remove any staples)
- cardboard tubes (from paper towels / toilet paper)
- clean paper
- newspaper
- dryer lint
- grass clippings
- leaves
- hay/straw
Things You Shouldn’t Compost
The next thing you need to know is what you shouldn’t add to your compost pile.
This list also isn’t exhaustive but will get you started in the right direction.
What not to add to your compost bin:
- animal products – Don’t add any meat, fat, bones, or dairy to your compost because of the risk of bacteria, pests, and odors.
- citrus – In small amounts adding citrus peel is fine, but can make your compost very acidic if you add too much.
- onions / garlic – Don’t add these without first chopping them thoroughly. Otherwise they might re-sprout in your compost pile!
- household trash like plastic wrap, tin foil, etc. – These things don’t break down like paper and cardboard.
My Favorite Composting Tools
Do you need a fancy compost bin to get started? No.
Does having a pretty compost bin make composting more fun? Yes!!
Having the right supplies is one thing that helps me to be consistent with composting here at the farmhouse! And there are two main tools I recommend to anyone looking to get started with composting.
Composting Must Have: A Small Kitchen Compost Pail
The first tool you’ll need is a kitchen countertop sized compost pail.
I like to keep my compost pail conveniently located on the kitchen counter so I can add food scraps when I’m cooking.
I chose a white compost pail for our kitchen because it blends in with my decor I don’t mind it sitting out on the counters.
The pail is easy to clean whenever I need to, and there’s a spot to add a carbon filter to the lid which helps neutralize any odors. Though I haven’t noticed any issues with the smell and I have a very sensitive nose!
You can also purchase compostable bags which make it very easy when you need to empty the pail. They’re not necessary but nice to have on hand in my opinion.
Composting Must Have: An Outdoor Compost Bin
The second tool you’ll want to invest in is an outdoor compost bin.
While the countertop pail is convenient, you don’t want to keep scraps inside your house long enough for them to turn into compost. That would really start to stink!
You need a place outdoors for your compost to continue breaking down. And it helps to find a bin that spins or turns, which will help break down the food and scraps quicker.
We purchased this compost bin from Amazon, and I highly recommend it!
It was fairly affordable, easy to assemble, and very easy to use. The compost bin sits on a metal stand which makes turning the compost pile a breeze!
It has two main compartments for you to add food and scraps to. When one side gets full, you can add items to the second compartment while the first pile does its thing and breaks down.
Once the ingredients break down into a rich compost, you can easily scoop it out of the bin and add it to your garden.
Composting Made Simple
Now you know the basics, and you’re ready to get started with composting. But here’s where some people make this composting thing more complicated than it needs to be.
Some people will tell you to add in your “greens” and “browns” in a specific ratio for optimal conditions for your compost pile.
I’m going to be completely honest with you though… I don’t think twice about this. We just add in our household food scraps at whatever rate they accumulate and don’t stress the ratio. It’ll all break down eventually and I haven’t noticed that it’s really impacted any of our plants one way or another.
In my humble opinion, there’s a ton of benefits to composting whether you’re strict about your ratios or whether you wing it like we do!
And that’s my simplified approach to composting! I hope this post was helpful. I hope it made composting seem less complicated – because it really can be simple to get started!
I linked all the supplies mentioned in today’s post, including our outdoor compost bin, kitchen compost pails, compostable bags, and carbon filters, here in my Amazon Storefront for your convenience.
I know this post might not be my typical home decor and DIY content, but I like to include a little bit of home life and farm life here on the blog when I can!
I hope to start sharing more gardening content here soon too.
In previous years, we’ve mostly gardened in containers and pots. This year we hope to add a few raised beds and create our own little kitchen garden next to the farmhouse.
Stay tuned for garden updates… I’ll be sure to share them here on the blog. In the meantime, I’d love to invite you to join my email list!
Until next time…
