Simple Ways to Start Composting at Home

Composting is a natural process that turns organic waste into nutrient-rich material, perfect for enriching your garden or lawn. This decomposed matter, known as compost, is often used as a natural fertiliser. With so many environmental and practical benefits, starting your own compost at home is easier than you might think.

Why Should You Compost?

There are numerous advantages to composting, including:

• Improving soil quality

• Reducing food and garden waste

• Helping the environment

• Minimising landfill use

According to Earth Easy, compost is the “single most important supplement you can give your garden.” Composting provides a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilisers, and can significantly reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills. In fact, around one-third of landfill waste is compostable—meaning it could be diverted if more people composted at home.

What Can You Compost?

Composting success depends on getting the right balance of carbon and nitrogen. A good compost pile should contain more carbon-rich materials than nitrogen-rich ones.

Carbon-rich materials (often called “browns”):

• Dry leaves and branches

• Fruit and vegetable peels

• Used paper bags and coffee filters

Nitrogen-rich materials (also known as “greens”):

• Tea leaves and seaweed

• Fresh garden trimmings and weeds

• Cut flowers and grass clippings

However, some items should not go into your compost unless you’re using a system specifically designed to handle them. These include meat, fish scraps, and bones, as they can attract pests and create unpleasant odours.

Which Type of Composter Should You Choose?

Your ideal composting system depends on where you live and how much space you have:

• In a flat or urban environment (e.g. New York City or Hong Kong): Consider vermicomposting (worm bins), which are compact and odour-free—perfect for indoor use.

• In a home with outdoor space: Use an enclosed compost bin or a tumbler, which keeps the composting process neat and manageable.

No matter your living situation, there’s a composting method that suits your needs.

How to Compost at Home: Step-by-Step

Getting started is simpler than you might expect. Here’s a basic method to create your own compost pile:

1. Choose a location: Ideally outdoors, directly on soil to encourage worms and microorganisms.

2. Lay the base: Start with a layer of twigs or small branches a few inches deep to promote airflow.

3. Add materials in layers: Alternate layers of carbon (browns) and nitrogen (greens).

4. Introduce a nitrogen booster: Grass clippings, buckwheat, or even manure can speed up decomposition.

5. Maintain the pile:

   • Keep it moist (not soaking) to help break down materials.

   • Cover it with old cardboard, a tarp, or anything that retains warmth and moisture.

   • Turn the pile every few weeks to aerate and encourage faster decomposition.

Starting a composting routine at home is a simple yet powerful step towards living more sustainably. Whether you have a garden, balcony, or kitchen corner, composting can work for you—and for the planet.

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