Start Composting Today
Build Healthy Soil and Reduce Waste.
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Have you been dreaming of nurturing vibrant flower beds or growing your own vegetables while reducing your environmental impact? Composting offers a natural, efficient way to recycle organic waste and create rich, nutrient-packed soil—perfect for your garden.
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What is Composting?
At its core, composting is the “managed aerobic biological decomposition of organic material by microorganisms.” While that may sound technical, it’s incredibly simple to start! All it takes is collecting organic materials like grass clippings, leaves, and kitchen scraps into a pile and letting nature do the work. Over time, microorganisms break down the materials, transforming them into compost—often called “black gold” for its ability to improve soil health.​​
How to Get Started
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Choose a Space: Dedicate a spot in your yard for a compost pile or bin. You can build a bin using wire and wood, as we did at the GINLC Resource Center, or purchase a ready-made bin.
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Layer Your Materials: Start your pile with 4–6 inches of twigs or wood chips to promote airflow. Add alternating layers of “browns” (carbon-rich materials like dry leaves, hay, or straw) and “greens” (nitrogen-rich materials like vegetable scraps or fresh grass clippings). Aim for a 2:1 ratio of browns to greens.
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Add Kitchen Scraps: Use a small kitchen compost container for easy collection of vegetable peels, coffee grounds, tea leaves, and fruit scraps (like banana peels or apple cores). Empty it into your compost pile once or twice a week.
What NOT to Compost
To ensure your compost stays healthy, avoid adding:
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Fats, oils, or proteins (no meat, dairy, or table scraps).
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Pet waste or litter.
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Chemically treated materials (e.g., dryer lint or painted wood).
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Bread or eggshells unless thoroughly washed.
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GINLC Composter
Commercial Composter
Tips for Success
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Avoid odors and pests: Keep your kitchen compost container tightly sealed.
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Chop larger items: Break down broccoli stalks or watermelon rinds into smaller pieces to speed up decomposition.
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Be patient: If you choose a passive pile, materials will decompose slowly, but the result is worth the wait!
Why Compost?
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Enrich Your Garden: Compost improves soil texture, retains moisture, and supports healthy plant growth.
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Reduce Waste: Divert organic materials from landfills, reducing methane emissions and your overall carbon footprint.
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Protect the Environment: Use your homemade compost instead of chemical fertilizers to nurture plants naturally.
Now is the perfect time to begin your composting journey. With a little effort today, you’ll have nutrient-rich soil ready to boost your garden in the spring. Dive in and make a positive impact on your garden and the planet!
For more tips and guidance, explore resources like the EPA’s Composting Basics here. (https://www.epa.gov/recycle/composting-home)
Some of that nutrient-rich soil ready to boost your garden