Composting is one of the simplest and most rewarding ways to reduce waste, enrich your soil, and contribute to a sustainable lifestyle. By learning how to make organic compost at home, you turn kitchen scraps, garden clippings, and other organic waste into a nutrient-rich soil amendment that your plants will love.

This guide walks you through the process step by step, offering tips, tricks, and highly-rated products available on Amazon to make composting at home as easy and effective as possible.

What is Organic Compost and Why Should You Make It?

Organic compost is decomposed organic matter that improves soil fertility and structure. Making your own compost helps:

  • Reduce household waste.
  • Enhance your garden soil.
  • Save money on commercial fertilizers.
  • Protect the environment by minimizing landfill contributions.

When you create compost, you mimic nature’s process of decomposition, turning waste into a valuable resource for your plants.

Step 1: Choose Your Composting Method

There are several ways to compost, so start by choosing the method that fits your lifestyle, space, and goals.

Outdoor Composting

Outdoor composting involves creating a compost pile or using a bin in your backyard. It’s ideal if you have garden space and generate a large amount of yard waste.

Indoor Composting

If you live in an apartment or don’t have outdoor space, you can compost indoors using a compost bin, bokashi system, or worm bin.

  • Recommended Product: FCMP Outdoor IM4000 Tumbling Composter is a highly-rated outdoor composter that makes turning and mixing compost a breeze.
  • Recommended Product: VermiHut Plus Worm Compost Bin is a compact and efficient option for indoor vermicomposting.

Step 2: Gather Your Material

Composting requires a balance of “greens” (nitrogen-rich materials) and “browns” (carbon-rich materials). Here’s a breakdown:

Greens:

  • Fruit and vegetable scraps.
  • Coffee grounds and filters.
  • Grass clippings.
  • Fresh garden waste.

Browns:

  • Dry leaves.
  • Shredded paper or cardboard.
  • Straw or hay.
  • Sawdust (untreated wood).

What Not to Compost:

  • Meat, fish, and dairy (they attract pests).
  • Oily or greasy food scraps.
  • Diseased plants or invasive weeds.
  • Pet waste.
  • Recommended Product: The Compostable Food Scrap Bags by UNNI are a great way to collect kitchen scraps before adding them to your compost pile.

Step 3: Choose Your Compost Bin or Setup

A compost bin keeps your compost organized and contained, preventing pests and controlling odors. Depending on your space and method, you can choose from various options.

Compost Bins:

  • Tumbling bins are easy to turn and aerate.
  • Stationary bins work well for large gardens.

Open Piles:

If you have plenty of outdoor space, a simple open compost pile is low-cost and effective. However, it may require more maintenance to keep pests away.

Bokashi Bins:

These specialized bins use a fermentation process to break down kitchen scraps, making them perfect for indoor use.

  • Recommended Product: Bokashi Compost Kit by SCD Probiotics is a highly-rated solution for odor-free indoor composting.

Step 4: Start Layering Your Compost

Begin building your compost by alternating layers of greens and browns. The key is maintaining a balanced ratio of these materials—generally, two to three parts browns to one part greens.

Layering Steps:

  • Start with a layer of browns, such as dry leaves or shredded cardboard.
  • Add a layer of greens, like vegetable scraps or grass clippings.
  • Repeat the layers, mixing as you go to ensure even decomposition.

Step 5: Maintain Your Compost Pile

Composting isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it process. It requires some attention to ensure that your organic materials decompose efficiently.

Aerate Regularly:

Turning your compost introduces oxygen, which speeds up decomposition. Use a pitchfork, compost turner, or tumbling bin for this task.

  • Recommended Product: The Compost Crank Twist Compost Aerator is a manual tool designed for effortless aeration.

Moisture Balance:

Compost should feel like a damp sponge—not too wet or too dry. Add water if it’s dry or more browns if it’s soggy.

Monitor Temperature:

Active compost piles generate heat as materials break down. Temperatures of 135–160°F are ideal. Use a compost thermometer to track this.

  • Recommended Product: The REOTEMP Heavy Duty Compost Thermometer is highly rated for accurate temperature readings.

Step 6: Wait and Harvest

Composting takes time, typically between 2–6 months, depending on the method and conditions. Your compost is ready when it’s dark, crumbly, and smells earthy.

Harvesting Tips:

  • Remove finished compost from the bottom of the pile or bin.
  • Sift out large, undecomposed pieces using a compost screen or sieve.
  • Recommended Product: The Achla Designs Compost Sifter Screen helps separate fine compost from larger bits.

Using Your Organic Compost

Your homemade compost is a goldmine for your garden. Here’s how to use it:

  • In the Garden: Mix it into garden beds to improve soil fertility and structure.
  • For Potted Plants: Add compost to potting soil for a nutrient boost.
  • As Mulch: Spread a thin layer around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
  • In Lawn Care: Use compost as a natural lawn top-dressing.

Troubleshooting Common Composting Issues

Even seasoned composters encounter challenges. Here’s how to solve some common problems:

Problem: Foul Odors

  • Cause: Too much moisture or not enough browns.
  • Solution: Add more browns, turn the pile, and ensure proper aeration.

Problem: Slow Decomposition

  • Cause: Lack of nitrogen, oxygen, or moisture.
  • Solution: Add greens like coffee grounds, mix the pile, or adjust moisture levels.

Problem: Pests in the Compost

  • Cause: Inclusion of meat, dairy, or uncovered food scraps.
  • Solution: Avoid prohibited items and ensure the pile is covered or contained.

Additional Tools and Accessories

To make your composting journey smoother, consider these handy tools:

  • Kitchen Scrap Collector: The Utopia Kitchen Compost Bin is a stylish, odor-free way to collect food scraps indoors.
  • Shredding Tool: The Fellowes Powershred Paper Shredder can shred cardboard and paper for composting.
  • Compost Starter: The Jobe’s Organics Compost Starter is a microbial additive to jumpstart decomposition.

The Environmental Impact of Composting

By composting, you’re actively reducing your household waste, lowering greenhouse gas emissions from landfills, and returning organic matter to the soil. Every banana peel, coffee ground, and leaf you compost makes a difference.

Composting: A Lifelong Skill

Making organic compost at home is a skill that benefits your garden, your wallet, and the planet. It’s a simple process that yields rich rewards. With the right balance of greens and browns, regular maintenance, and the tools you need, you’ll soon have a thriving compost pile and healthier plants.

So roll up your sleeves, grab a compost bin, and start turning your waste into treasure. Your garden—and the environment—will thank you!