How to Start Composting at Home (Even If You’ve Never Done It Before)

Katrina Drescher
Jan 1
2 min read

If you’ve ever wanted to compost but felt overwhelmed by the “rules,” you’re not alone. Composting can sound technical, messy, or complicated — but in reality, it’s one of the simplest and most rewarding things you can do for your garden.

At its heart, composting is just nature doing what it’s always done: turning organic waste back into soil. You don’t need fancy equipment or expert knowledge — just a little understanding and a willingness to start.

Here’s a gentle, realistic guide to help you begin.

What Is Composting, Really?

Composting is the natural process of breaking down organic materials like food scraps, leaves, and garden waste into rich, healthy soil.

Think of it as feeding the soil rather than feeding the bin.

When done simply, composting:

Improves soil health
Reduces household waste
Supports plant growth naturally
Helps close the loop between kitchen, garden, and earth

You don’t need perfection — nature does most of the work for you.

This is one of my small compost heaps. I get super paranoid about attracting rodents so I created a cage made of bird wire which fully encloses the materials while still allowing it to breath and allow worms etc to o=do their thing.

Step 1: Choose Your Composting Style

There’s no one right way to compost. Start with what suits your space and lifestyle.

Options include:

A compost bin in the backyard
A compost bay or heap
A small compost tumbler
A worm farm (great for small spaces or balconies)

If you’re just starting out, a simple lidded compost bin or heap is more than enough.

Step 2: Understand the Basics (Greens & Browns)

Successful compost relies on a balance between:

Greens – nitrogen-rich materials

These include:

Fruit and vegetable scraps
Coffee grounds
Fresh grass clippings
Garden trimmings

Browns – carbon-rich materials

These include:

Dry leaves
Cardboard and shredded paper
Straw or dry grass
Wood shavings

A good rule of thumb is roughly equal parts green and brown, with a little more brown if things get smelly.

Step 3: What to Avoid

To keep your compost healthy (and pest-free), avoid adding:

Meat or fish scraps
Dairy products
Cooked foods
Oily or greasy items
Pet waste

These can attract pests and slow the composting process.

Step 4: Keep It Simple

Compost doesn’t need constant attention. A little care goes a long way:

Turn or mix occasionally to add air
Keep it damp, not soggy
Add browns if it smells, greens if it looks dry

If it smells earthy, you’re doing it right.

Step 5: Using Your Compost

Finished compost looks dark, crumbly, and smells like rich soil. You can use it to:

Improve garden beds
Feed vegetables and flowers
Top up pots and planters
Boost soil health naturally

Even small amounts make a difference.

A Gentle Reminder

Composting doesn’t need to be perfect. It’s okay if it’s slow, messy, or inconsistent — that’s all part of learning. What matters most is starting.

Every scrap you divert from landfill and return to the soil is a small but meaningful act of care.

Kat