Composting for beginners

I really enjoy making my own compost. Recycling my own yard waste into a beautiful compost to use back on my own garden gives me a great feeling inside.

How to start a compost bin

Collect food scraps like potatoes skins, fruits, all green vegetable left overs, coffee grounds, tea bags remove the staple and even egg shells
Collect yard waste like grass, brown leaves, weeds and small branches
Choose a place to make your compost in the shade if possible.
layer the compost mix as described in the video below
Add water
Wait and Aerate every other day
Enjoy fresh beautiful compost for your flower beds or vegetable gardens

How do I learn how do you compost?

I have added a video below that shows the process to make compost, each type of material that can be use to start and maintain your own compost pile. The correct amounts of each material along with the correct watering and turning times.

How to start a compost bin

Pick your location to start your compost bin
Use the pile method, build or buy a compost bin
Add in composting material
Lightly water
Rotate every other day until the material is darken in color, broken down into small particles and smells like earth

How to make compost bin

I created my own compost bins out of used wood pallets. I created a two bay system using seven pallets. Wooden pallets turned on their sides provide perfect ventilation strips for air to pass threw to help the composting process.

Composting is a great way to reduce waste and create nutrient-rich soil for your garden. Here are some tips for beginners to get started with composting:

Choose a compost bin: You can choose from a variety of composting bins, including open piles, closed bins, and tumblers. Closed bins and tumblers are good options for small yards or urban areas because they control odors and keep pests out.
Choose the right location: Composting should be done in a shaded area that is easily accessible and has good drainage.
Start with a good mix of materials: Composting requires a mix of brown and green materials. Brown materials include dry leaves, twigs, and paper, while green materials include fruit and vegetable scraps, grass clippings, and coffee grounds. A good rule of thumb is to have equal parts brown and green materials.
Keep the pile moist: Composting requires moisture to break down the materials. The pile should be kept moist, but not too wet, to promote decomposition. A good way to check the moisture level is to squeeze a handful of compost. It should feel like a damp sponge.
Turn the pile regularly: Turning the pile helps aerate the compost and speeds up the decomposition process. You can use a pitchfork or compost turner to mix the materials.
Add organic matter: Adding organic matter, such as manure or grass clippings, can help speed up the composting process and add nutrients to the soil.
Use the finished compost: Compost is ready to use when it is dark, crumbly, and has a pleasant earthy smell. It can be used as a soil amendment in your garden or added to potting soil for houseplants.

Remember to avoid adding meat, bones, and dairy products to your compost pile, as they can attract pests and slow down the composting process. With a little patience and care, you can turn your kitchen scraps and yard waste into rich, healthy soil for your garden.