Composting: Where to Start

Getting Started with Composting

Embarking on your composting adventure is simpler than you might think! Here’s how to get started with just a few easy steps, and while there are several options for composting, today we’re going to focus on one: Bin composting.

Why choose bin composting? First, it keeps your waste out of landfills, reducing greenhouse gases while contributing to a healthier planet. Your plants will be thriving with the rich, dark compost that nourishes the soil, promoting robust growth and blooms. Plus, a bin composting system is efficient and tidy, keeping your compost contained and odor-free.

Now, let’s talk about the bins themselves! You can choose from a variety of styles. A sleek, sturdy plastic bin, a charming wooden structure, or even a DIY masterpiece crafted from repurposed materials. Some bins come with handy features like built-in aeration systems, while others are simple and functional. The world is your oyster…that you can also compost.

Position your compost bin in a sunny, accessible spot in your backyard. A well-placed bin not only makes the process efficient but also adds a touch of rustic charm to your outdoor space. Consider ease of use when placing your bin. While it may look well proportioned next to your garden, it will stick out like a sore green thumb next to your fire-pit.

What Can and Can’t Be Compost

I’m glad you asked. There are many resources on line to guide you through the intricacies of what can and cannot be composted, but below is a beginners guide to get you started.

What You Can Compost:

• Fruits and Vegetables: All scraps, peels, and cores. Don’t forget the pits!

• Coffee Grounds and Filters: A nitrogen booster.

• Eggshells: crushed or ground down for calcium.

• Grass Clippings: Fresh, green clippings are essential.

• Leaves and Yard Waste: Dried leaves, small branches, and plant trimmings.

What You Can’t Compost:

• Meat and Dairy: Attracts pests and creates odors.

• Oils and Fats: Create a greasy mess and slow decomposition.

• Cooked Foods: Can also attract unwanted critters.

• Weeds and Diseased Plants: Spread pests and diseases.

• Synthetic Materials: Plastics and metals don’t break down.

Composting is not just a trend; it’s a powerful movement towards a healthier planet. By turning food waste into garden gold, you’re making a significant impact on reducing landfill waste, enriching your soil, and cultivating a thriving ecosystem right at home. 

So grab your kitchen scraps, choose your method, and start this transformative journey today. Your garden and the planet will thank you.