How to Start Composting at Home

How to Start Composting at Home
Composting is a natural process that turns organic materials into a nutrient-rich soil amendment. Here's how to get started:

1. Choose a compost bin or create a compost pile in your backyard.
2. Add a mix of "green" materials (nitrogen-rich) like fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and grass clippings.
3. Add "brown" materials (carbon-rich) like dry leaves, twigs, and newspaper.
4. Keep the compost moist, like a wrung-out sponge.
5. Turn the compost regularly to aerate it and speed up decomposition.
6. Avoid adding meat, dairy, oily foods, or pet waste.
7. Be patient - composting takes 2-6 months, depending on conditions.
8. When your compost looks dark, crumbly, and smells earthy, it's ready to use!
9. Apply it to your garden beds, potted plants, or lawn.
10. Continue adding materials to keep your compost pile going.

Composting reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills, enriches your soil, and helps plants grow stronger and healthier.