How to Compost in Your Backyard

By Amy Brown | Published on 2022-01-12

Composting is an easy and rewarding way to reduce your environmental impact and help your garden thrive. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, composting in your backyard is a great way to turn your kitchen and garden waste into nutrient-rich soil. In this article, we’ll explain the basics of composting and provide tips on how to get started. We’ll also discuss the benefits of composting and the different types of composting systems you can use. So, if you’re ready to start composting in your backyard, let’s get started!

Selecting a compost bin

When it comes to selecting a compost bin, there are a few things to consider. First, think about the size of your bin. If you have a small backyard, you may want to opt for a smaller bin. However, if you have a larger backyard, you may want to choose a larger bin. You should also consider the material of the bin. Plastic bins are lightweight and easy to move, while metal bins are more durable and can last longer. Additionally, you should consider the type of lid that comes with the bin. Some lids are designed to be easily opened and closed, while others may require a bit more effort.

When selecting a compost bin, you should also consider the type of composting you plan to do. If you plan to compost food scraps and yard waste, you may want to opt for a tumbler bin, which is designed to mix the compost and aerate it. If you plan to compost manure, you may want to choose a bin with a lid that can be opened and closed easily. Additionally, you should consider the cost of the bin. Some bins can be quite expensive, while others are more affordable.

Finally, you should consider the location of the bin. You should place the bin in an area that is easy to access and away from any sources of water or runoff. Additionally, you should make sure that the bin is not in direct sunlight, as this can cause the compost to overheat.

Choosing the right location

When it comes to composting, the location of your compost pile is key. You want to make sure that you choose a spot that is convenient for you, but also one that won’t be a nuisance to your neighbors.

Ideally, you should choose a spot that is in a shaded area, away from any buildings or structures. This will help to keep the compost pile from getting too hot, which can cause it to break down too quickly. You should also make sure that the spot you choose is not in a low-lying area, as this can lead to water pooling around the compost pile, which can cause it to become soggy and smelly.

Finally, you should make sure that the spot you choose is not too close to any trees or shrubs, as this can cause the compost pile to attract unwanted pests. If you have a fence, you may want to consider placing the compost pile on the other side of it, as this will help to keep the compost pile out of sight and away from any potential pests.

Preparing the compost mixture

Composting is an easy and effective way to reduce your household waste and create nutrient-rich soil for your garden. Preparing the compost mixture is the first step in the composting process.

The compost mixture should be a blend of both “green” and “brown” materials. Green materials are high in nitrogen and provide the compost with nitrogen-rich nutrients. Examples of green materials include grass clippings, fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and eggshells. Brown materials are high in carbon and provide the compost with carbon-rich nutrients. Examples of brown materials include leaves, straw, sawdust, and shredded paper.

The ratio of green to brown materials should be roughly 2:1. To ensure that the compost mixture is well-aerated, it is important to mix the materials together. You can use a garden fork or shovel to mix the materials together, or you can use a compost tumbler to mix the materials more efficiently. Once the compost mixture is ready, it is time to add it to your compost bin.

Adding organic materials

Organic materials are essential for successful composting. Adding organic materials to your compost pile is an important part of the composting process. Organic materials provide the necessary nutrients and microorganisms that are essential for the composting process.

Organic materials can include anything from kitchen scraps, such as vegetable and fruit peels, to yard waste, such as grass clippings, leaves, and twigs. You can also add coffee grounds, eggshells, and even shredded paper to your compost pile. Be sure to avoid adding any animal products, such as meat, dairy, or eggs, as these can attract pests and create an unpleasant odor.

When adding organic materials to your compost pile, it is important to mix them in layers. Start by adding a layer of brown materials, such as leaves, twigs, and shredded paper, followed by a layer of green materials, such as grass clippings and kitchen scraps. This will help to ensure that your compost pile is well aerated and has the right balance of nitrogen and carbon. Be sure to turn your compost pile regularly to ensure that it is properly aerated and that the organic materials are breaking down properly.

Turning and aerating the compost pile

Turning and aerating the compost pile is an important step in the composting process. It helps to break down the materials faster and ensures that the compost is well mixed. To turn the compost pile, use a garden fork or shovel to move the material from the outside of the pile to the inside. This will help to aerate the pile and allow oxygen to reach the microorganisms that are breaking down the materials. It is important to turn the compost pile every few weeks to ensure that the compost is properly aerated.

Another way to aerate the compost pile is to add a layer of dry material such as straw or leaves to the top of the pile. This will help to keep the pile from becoming too wet and will also provide additional oxygen for the microorganisms. It is important to make sure that the dry material is not too thick, as this can prevent oxygen from reaching the bottom of the pile.

Finally, it is important to make sure that the compost pile is not too dry. If the pile is too dry, the microorganisms will not be able to break down the materials as quickly. To keep the compost pile moist, add a few gallons of water every few weeks. This will help to keep the compost pile at the right moisture level and will help to speed up the composting process.

Maintaining the compost pile

Maintaining your compost pile is an important part of the composting process. It is important to keep the compost pile moist and aerated. To do this, you should turn the pile every week or two with a pitchfork or shovel. This will help to aerate the pile and keep the composting process going.

You should also add a layer of soil or compost to the top of the pile every few weeks. This will help to keep the pile moist and provide the necessary nutrients for the composting process. It is also important to make sure that the pile is not too wet or too dry. If the pile is too wet, you can add more dry material such as leaves or straw to absorb the excess moisture. If the pile is too dry, you can add more water or green material such as grass clippings.

Finally, it is important to monitor the temperature of the compost pile. The ideal temperature for composting is between 140-160 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature is too low, you can add more green material to the pile to increase the temperature. If the temperature is too high, you can add more dry material to the pile to lower the temperature.

Troubleshooting common problems

Composting is a great way to reduce your waste and create nutrient-rich soil for your garden. However, there are some common problems that can arise when composting. Here are some tips for troubleshooting these issues:

1. Odor: If your compost pile is producing an unpleasant odor, it may be because it is too wet or there is not enough air circulation. Make sure to mix in some dry material such as leaves or straw to help absorb excess moisture. You can also turn the pile regularly to ensure that air is able to circulate throughout.

2. Pests: If you are noticing pests in your compost pile, it may be because there are too many food scraps or other organic materials that are attracting them. Make sure to cover the pile with a tarp or other material to keep pests out. You can also add some soil to the pile to help discourage pests.

3. Too Hot: If your compost pile is getting too hot, it may be because it is too large or there is not enough air circulation. Make sure to break up the pile into smaller sections and turn it regularly to ensure that air is able to circulate throughout. You can also add some wet material such as grass clippings or food scraps to help cool the pile down.

Conclusion

Composting is an easy and rewarding way to reduce your household waste and create nutrient-rich soil for your garden. With a little bit of effort and the right materials, you can turn your backyard into a composting paradise. Not only will you be helping the environment, but you'll also be creating a healthier and more beautiful garden for you and your family to enjoy.