How to Compost at Home

Compost is decomposed organic matter. The same microbes that break down fallen leaves and dead wood in nature also create it, turning that material into the rich, dark, crumbly soil that feeds forests and wild plants. A lawn or backyard garden benefits from it just as much.

Composting also keeps a surprising amount of waste out of the trash. Food scraps and yard trimmings make up a large share of what households throw away, and composting turns hundreds of pounds of it a year into free, nutrient-rich fertilizer for produce and flowers instead of sending it to a landfill.

1. Composting Site and Bins

Composting needs a bit of outdoor space, ideally at least a few feet square so the pile is large enough to hold heat and break down efficiently. Choose a flat spot with good drainage, easy to reach year-round. Clear away grass and weeds and loosen the soil to about eight inches. Set the bin directly on the soil so earthworms and microorganisms can move into the pile. A closed or enclosed bin helps control odor and keeps a patio or lawn looking tidy, and lining it with chicken wire keeps out dogs and wildlife.