Composting 101: Easy Ways to Turn Kitchen Scraps Into Garden Gold

Composting is one of the simplest ways to improve your soil, reduce waste, and help your plants grow stronger.
You don’t need a big yard or special equipment—just a small space and the right mix of materials.

Here’s a beginner-friendly guide to getting started.

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🍂 1. What You Can Compost

Compost is made by breaking down organic materials.
Good compost starts with a balance of “greens” and “browns.”

Greens (Nitrogen-rich)

• Fruit and vegetable scraps

• Coffee grounds

• Fresh grass clippings

• Tea leaves

Browns (Carbon-rich)

• Dry leaves

• Paper towels

• Shredded cardboard

• Straw

Avoid adding meat, dairy, or oily foods—they slow decomposition and attract pests.

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🌱 2. Choose a Composting Method

Even small spaces can handle composting with the right setup.

Outdoor bin

Ideal for backyards. Decomposes quickly with airflow.

Tumbler

Great for convenience—easy to rotate and mix.

Indoor compost bin

Pairs well with countertop food scrap containers and small kitchen compost bins.

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♻️ 3. Build Your Compost Layer-by-Layer

A simple method:

- Start with a layer of browns

- Add a smaller layer of greens

- Repeat, keeping the pile slightly moist

The mix should feel like a wrung-out sponge—not soaked, not dry.

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🌤️ 4. Keep It Aerated

Microorganisms need oxygen to break everything down.
Turn or mix your compost every 1–2 weeks to keep it active and smelling fresh.

Plant caddies or raised stands can make moving bins easier if you're in a smaller space.

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🌼 5. When Is Compost Ready?

Finished compost looks like dark, crumbly soil.
It should smell earthy—not sour or rotten.
Use it to enrich potting mix, top-dress plants, or blend into raised beds for improved growth.