Grow Healthier Plants with Homemade Compost - Here’s How

Are you tossing out food scraps and garden waste every week? What if we told you those bits and pieces could transform into a powerful, natural fertiliser that helps your plants thrive? That’s the magic of composting — a simple, eco-friendly way to turn everyday waste into “black gold” for your garden.

Whether you’re a beginner gardener or just curious about cutting down on waste, this guide will walk you through the basics of composting and how to get started today.

What Is Composting?

Composting is nature’s recycling system. It’s the process of breaking down organic matter—like vegetable scraps, leaves, and coffee grounds—into a rich, soil-like material called compost. With the help of oxygen, moisture, and millions of hardworking microbes, this organic waste turns into a nutrient-rich fertiliser that boosts your soil’s health and your plants’ growth.

Not only does composting reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill, but it also cuts down on methane emissions and supports a more sustainable planet. Plus, it’s free to do at home!

What You Can and Can’t Compost

Getting started is as easy as knowing what goes in—and what stays out.

Green Materials (Nitrogen-Rich)

These are your “wet” materials that help heat up your compost pile:

• Fruit and vegetable scraps
• Coffee grounds and filters
• Fresh grass clippings
• Tea bags (make sure they’re plastic-free)

Brown Materials (Carbon-Rich)

These provide structure and airflow in your pile:

• Dry leaves
• Shredded newspaper or cardboard
• Straw or hay
• Egg cartons (plain cardboard)

What Not to Compost

To keep pests, odours, and disease at bay, avoid adding:

• Meat, dairy, and oily foods
• Pet waste (unless specially treated)
• Glossy or plastic-coated paper
• Diseased plants or weeds with seeds

Pro Tip: Aim for a 2:1 ratio of browns to greens to keep your compost balanced and thriving.

Choosing a Composting Method

There’s a composting style to suit every space and lifestyle. Here are a few popular options:

Backyard Compost Pile or Bin

• Best for those with a garden or yard
• Affordable and easy to scale
• Needs turning with a pitchfork every few weeks
  
  

Compost Tumbler

• Great for urban gardens or tidier setups
• Speeds up decomposition
• Pest-resistant and low-maintenance

Vermicomposting (Worm Bins)

• Ideal for small homes or apartments
• Uses red wiggler worms to break down waste
  
• Produces incredibly rich compost

Bokashi Composting

• A fermentation-based method
• Works well in kitchens
• Handles small amounts of meat and dairy

How to Start Your Compost Pile

Ready to begin? Follow these simple steps:

1. Pick a location: Choose a shaded, well-drained area.
   
   
2. Build your pile: Alternate layers of green and brown materials.
   
   
3. Moisten: Keep the pile as damp as a wrung-out sponge.
   
   
4. Turn it: Aerate every couple of weeks with a fork or shovel.
   
   
5. Wait and watch: Your compost will break down in 2–6 months.
   
   
   

How to Tell When It’s Ready

Finished compost should:

• Be dark brown and crumbly
• Smell earthy (not rotten)
• Have no visible food scraps

This means it’s ready to be used in your garden!

How to Use Your Compost

Once your compost is ready, the possibilities are endless:

• Mix into garden beds to enrich the soil
• Top dress around plants as mulch
  
• Blend into potting soil for houseplants
• Make compost tea to give plants a liquid nutrient boost

Small Changes, Big Impact

Composting is one of the simplest, most rewarding ways to reduce waste and improve your garden. Even if you start small—with just a countertop bin or a worm bin under the sink—you’re making a meaningful difference for the environment and your plants.

So why not turn your kitchen and garden scraps into something truly valuable? Your garden (and the planet) will thank you.