So, you’ve heard about composting, but where do you start? There are many different methods of composting that can easily be done in your backyard or even inside your home. Keep reading to learn about the five most popular ways to compost at home and decide which method is best for you.
This is the most commonly used method of composting because it is simple and low maintenance. This method involves piling organic matter in a designated area and allowing the material to decompose naturally. This form of composting requires occasional watering if outdoor conditions are dry for long periods and rotation every few weeks to allow air into the pile. For the best results, layer your browns and greens “lasagna” style using a 2:1 or 3:1 ratio of browns to greens. The pile should be a minimum of three feet high and three feet wide, with the ideal size being four feet high and four feet wide. To expedite the composting process, you can add compost starter which contains helpful microbes that break down organic waste.
Composting using a bin is similar to starting a compost pile, but the materials are in a contained environment. You can choose to buy a bin or make a DIY bin using an old trash can, upcycled wooden pallets, or scrap wood. When setting up your bin, make sure to place it in a convenient area with well-drained ground. Bin composting also works best when adding brown and green material in layers like you would when creating a compost pile. This method may also take longer to process because the materials are harder to turn compared to a pile. Compost starter can also be added to help speed up the process.
Tumblers are another great way to start composting at home. Tumblers typically have one to two chambers that rotate to allow air into the compost. Unlike bins and piles, tumbler composting doesn’t require you to layer materials, you can simply add materials to the chamber as they’re generated. Place the tumbler in a sunny spot so the materials heat up and speed up the composting time. Add water and rotate regularly to keep the compost moist and aerated. As the materials break down and more water is added, a nutrient-rich solution may leak from the chambers. You can collect this liquid in a pan under your tumbler and use it to fertilize your plants.
Vermicomposting, or worm composting, is another easy way to compost at home. Let the worms do all the work to break down the organic matter! Most worm bins are made from plastic, but they can also be made from wood. However, you should avoid using cedar because of its antimicrobial properties. Most importantly, whatever bin you use should be raised off the ground and have ventilation holes at the bottom to ensure proper air flow. Worms love darkness so the bin should also be located in an area with very little sunlight such as a covered patio, basement, or under a kitchen sink.
Begin filling up the bin with moist shredded paper on the bottom with a layer of garden soil on top. Now you’re ready to add your worms! The most common type of worm used for composting is the Red Wiggler, which you can purchase online or from a local shop. For new compost bins, start off with about a thousand worms. Healthy worms will multiply over time and speed up the composting process. Food waste like vegetable and fruit scraps should be added to the bin about every one to two weeks. Do not put meat, bones, dairy, or oil into your worm bin as they can be harmful for your worms. Learn all the dos and don’ts of caring for your worms in our blog Worming Around.
Commercial composting offers a way for those who can't compost at home to reduce their waste. This composting method is the large-scale collection and processing of organic materials, such as food scraps, yard waste, and compostable products, by a specialized facility. This process often involves a community collection service, like curbside trash collection, where compostable materials are picked up from homes or businesses and delivered to a composting facility. These facilities can often process materials that aren’t able to be composted at home, such as meat, bones, dairy, oil, and compostable products like paper serviceware and compostable “plastics.” Check with your local municipality to see if they offer a weekly collection service or community drop-off service.
Here are a few common issues you may experience while composting and helpful ways you can resolve them.
Material is not breaking down. Cut materials into smaller pieces before adding to the compost. Stop adding new materials as this restarts the composting process.
Bad odor. The pile is too wet or there is too much green material. Turn the pile or add more brown material. Cover the pile with mulch if the odor persists.
Pests. If you have flies, roaches, ants, or maggots, there may be too much moisture or food may be exposed. Keep the pile damp throughout and cover any food items under a layer of leaves.
Pile is not warm enough. The pile is too small. Add more materials to increase the volume until the pile is at least three feet high and three feet wide.
Fire Ants. The pile is too dry. Add more water and turn the pile.
If you need a crash course on the basics of composting, check out our Basics of Composting blog that covers what composting is, what can and can’t be composted, and tips for successful composting.
Guide to Yard Care
Basic of Composting
The Many Benefits of Composting
How to Use Compost
Unusual Items You Can Put in the Compost
Worming Around
Compost Recipe
Create Your Own Compost Lesson Plan
