Composting might sound a bit intimidating for beginners who haven’t tried it, but really, it’s like creating your very own eco-friendly magic trick in your backyard or even your kitchen! Compost (black gold) is an organic, nutrient-rich material that turns your yard waste and kitchen scraps into an incredible, nutrient-rich amendment for your soil. 

This simple guide will walk you through how to make compost at home. You’ll find composting insights and troubleshooting tips for beginners, learn how to start composting and what you’ll need to get started, discover how you can tell when your compost is ready to use, and uncover the best ways to use your compost.

Why should I compost?

First off, why bother composting? For me, it was realizing how much food waste I was producing. Every meal prep session left me with a small mountain of peels, cores, and leaves. Instead of throwing it all in the trash (this was before we started raising chickens), I decided it made so much more sense to turn the waste we had anyway into a resource that would help my plants thrive and reduce the amount of garbage we sent to landfills. Plus, making my own compost is satisfying! It’s pretty nice to be able to transform waste into something so useful (and save money at the same time).

How to start composting for beginners

1. Choose your composting method

There are different ways to compost, and the choice depends on your space, resources, and preferences. Here’s a breakdown of the most common ways to start composting for beginners:

• Outdoor composting: If you have a yard, you can set up a pile or a bin (this one works great for me, but you can definitely find more attractive ones). This is a great option if you’re okay with a larger setup.
• Compost tumbler: A compost tumbler is an enclosed container that you can rotate. It’s faster, more controlled, and pest-resistant, making it perfect for small backyards.
• Worm composting (vermicomposting): If you don’t have much space to spare, vermicomposting is a phenomenal option. You’ll need a small bin (they make vermicomposting bins specifically for vermicomposting, but you can also DIY your own solution) with worms (red wigglers are one of the best choices) that break down food waste, creating compost and worm tea (a fantastic fertilizer) for plants.
• Newer tech: I haven’t tried them myself, but I keep seeing ads for these pretty awesome-looking indoor composters, some of which claim to turn your kitchen scraps into shelf-stable chicken food. I don’t know much more about them than that, but I thought they deserved a mention!

When I started, I went with an outdoor compost pile since I had some backyard space available. If you’re not sure which method to choose, pick the one that suits your space, and remember, you can always change it later.

2. Gather your materials

To make good compost, you’ll need a mix of “greens” (high in nitrogen) and “browns” (high in carbon).

• Greens: Fruit and veggie scraps, coffee grounds, tea leaves, grass clippings, and eggshells.
• Browns: Dried leaves, straw, cardboard, paper towels, and twigs.

Tip: Keep a small bin in the kitchen for collecting scraps. I use a stainless steel countertop bin with a charcoal filter, which helps reduce odor. I usually wind up emptying it into the compost pile every few days.

3. Create your compost layers

Start by adding a layer of browns (carbon) to the bottom of your compost pile or bin. This layer will help with drainage and aeration. Then, add greens (nitrogen) on top. Continue layering as you add more waste.

Aim for a 3:1 ratio of browns to greens. It doesn’t have to be exact, but keeping the ratio close helps maintain a good balance, which is essential for faster decomposition.

4. Maintain your compost

Here’s where composting will get a bit hands-on, especially for beginners. Composting isn’t a “set it and forget it” kind of thing, but it’s manageable with a few minutes here and there. Here’s what you need to do:

• Turn the pile: Every 1-2 weeks, give your compost a little mix. This aerates the pile and helps break down materials faster. For smaller bins or tumblers, you can simply rotate or shake them. The timing isn’t exact here, so don’t stress too much. You’ll see what works for you. I like to turn my compost pretty regularly in the summer, but turning it in the winter doesn’t seem to help it much. It seems like it can better build up and retain heat in the colder months when I give it a little more personal space.
• Monitor moisture: Compost should be damp, like a wrung-out sponge. Too much moisture, and it’ll get slimy. Too dry, and it takes forever to break down. If it’s too wet, add more browns; if it’s too dry, sprinkle some water.
• Temperature check: Compost naturally heats up as it breaks down. If it’s warm, you know it’s working. I like to dig into the middle to feel if it’s warm (compost thermometers are also an option). It’s fun to peek into the center of the compost pile on a cool morning and see the steam rising!

Common composting troubleshooting tips for beginners

When I first started composting, I ran into my fair share of challenges. Here are some of the most common composting issues beginners face and how to fix them:

Problem #1: My compost stinks!

A healthy compost pile shouldn’t smell gross. If you’re getting a strong odor, it’s probably because there’s too much “green” (like food waste) and not enough “brown” (like paper products and brown plant materials). Try adding more carbon materials like dry leaves or cardboard, and give it a good mix.

Once, my smell problem turned out to be a pile that was too wet after a heavy rain. I added more brown materials, turned the pile, and within a day or two, the smell improved.

Problem #2: My compost pile won’t break down

If your compost seems to be just sitting there, several things could be going on:

• It might be too dry. Add some water to moisten it.
• You might not have enough nitrogen-rich “greens.” Add more food scraps or grass clippings.
• Try turning the pile more frequently to speed up the process.

When I first started, I was reluctant to turn the pile often, thinking it would “just work” without extra help. But aeration made a huge difference; my compost broke down much faster after I got into a regular turning schedule.

Problem #3: Critters!

First of all, generally speaking, bugs are good for your compost pile. You definitely want worms, and there are a host of other bugs that are there to do specific jobs. Having some help isn’t necessarily a bad thing! However, outdoor compost piles can sometimes attract animals, especially if you’re composting food scraps. Here’s how to prevent that:

• Avoid putting meat, dairy, and oily foods in your compost.
• Cover your food scraps with a layer of browns each time.
• If animals are still a problem, consider a compost tumbler or a fully enclosed bin.

I often have skunks stopping by to visit my pile. I learned to cover new food scraps with browns any time I added them and mixed the pile regularly, which made the skunks far less interested.

When is my compost ready?

Depending on the method, composting can take anywhere from a few months to a year, and the first pile often takes the longest for beginners because all of those good microbes and bugs are just getting established. Finished compost is dark, crumbly, and smells earthy. You shouldn’t see any large chunks of recognizable material. Once it’s ready, you can use it in the garden, on potted plants, or even give some away to neighbors!

Composting for beginners: How to use your finished compost

Congratulations! You’ve nurtured your compost through its life cycle, and now you’re looking at rich, dark, crumbly compost, ready to be put to good use. When you want to use it, think of compost as a natural booster shot for your plants and soil — it’s versatile, sustainable, and packed with nutrients to help everything thrive.

Using compost is pretty straightforward, but these are the most common ideas:

• Topdressing: Spread a thin layer over garden beds, lawns, or around the base of trees. This method enriches the soil over time.
• Mix in pots: Add it to potting soil for houseplants or container gardens.
• Mulch: Compost can also be used as a mulch to retain moisture and keep weeds down.

1. Topdressing for your garden beds or lawn

Topdressing is one of the easiest ways to use compost, and it’s especially great for established garden beds, lawns, and even shrubs or trees.

• For garden beds: Spread a 1–2-inch layer of compost on top of your garden soil. You don’t need to dig it in; simply lay it over the surface, and nature will handle the rest. As you water your garden, when it rains, and when your worms get busy with their jobs, the nutrients from the compost will work their way down into the soil.
• For lawns: If you want to enrich your lawn, sprinkle a thin layer of compost (no more than ½ inch) across the grass and gently rake it in. This technique adds organic matter and improves soil health without smothering the grass. I’ve found it’s a great way to keep lawns looking lush and green naturally.
• Around trees and shrubs: Trees and shrubs benefit from compost topdressing, too. Spread a layer about 2–3 inches thick in a donut shape around the tree, keeping the compost 2-3 inches away from the trunk (to prevent rot and avoid encouraging critters right next to your tree). This helps retain moisture, enriches the soil, and supports root growth.

Pro Tip: Early spring and fall are the best times to topdress, as plants are gearing up for growth or getting ready to hunker down for the season.

2. Mixing with potting soil

Compost is also a fantastic additive for potting soil, especially if you’re planning to grow veggies, herbs, or flowers in pots. Honestly, this has become my secret weapon for seedlings. Mixing your compost with potting soil can give your plants a nutrient boost, helping them grow stronger and more productive.

• For seedlings: When I’m starting seeds indoors, I use a blend that’s about 25% compost and 75% potting soil with a layer of seed starting mix on top. This provides the young plants with some gentle nutrients without overwhelming them. Once they’re a few inches tall, I transplant them to a richer mix to support their growth.
• For established plants: If you’re planting something larger, like herbs, flowers, or small shrubs, you can go up to a 50/50 mix of compost and potting soil. This combination improves water retention and nutrient availability, making it ideal for container plants that rely on you for all their nourishment. If you really want to give them a boost, add some worm compost and rabbit droppings if you have them!

3. Using as mulch

Mulching with compost is a beautiful way to insulate your soil, retain moisture, and keep weeds at bay. Unlike wood chips or bark, compost mulch breaks down over time, continually feeding your soil. While regular mulch simply insulates the soil, compost mulch actively feeds it as it breaks down. When I tried this method around my tomato plants, they were noticeably healthier and more productive than in previous years. Just spread a 1–3 inch layer of compost around your plants, leaving some space around the stems or trunks. Too much mulch too close can trap moisture, leading to rot.

Tip for mulching flower beds: If aesthetics are important, you might want to cover your compost with a thin top layer of decorative mulch. This combo lets you enjoy the visual appeal of bark or stones while ensuring your plants benefit from the rich compost underneath.

4. Compost tea for liquid fertilizer

Compost tea is a fast-acting, liquid fertilizer made from steeping compost in water. This “tea” can be used to water plants directly, delivering nutrients faster than solid compost alone.

• How to make compost tea: Fill a bucket with water and add a couple of handfuls of compost. Let it sit for 24–48 hours, stirring occasionally. Strain out the solids, and you’re left with compost tea that’s packed with nutrients. Apply it as you would regular water, or use a spray bottle for foliar feeding (spraying it directly onto leaves for faster absorption).
• How to use compost tea: I like to use compost tea for plants that need a quick nutrient boost, especially during blooming or fruiting stages. It’s also gentle enough to use on seedlings and houseplants that may not need heavy fertilizing.

Bonus Tip: If you want a richer, more “brewed” tea, aerate the mixture with an aquarium bubbler. The added oxygen increases the microbial life, creating a more potent tea.

5. Enriching your vegetable garden

Vegetable gardens can benefit hugely from a good dose of compost. Since veggies are typically high-demand plants, they pull a lot of nutrients from the soil, which needs to be replenished regularly.

• Before planting: Work 1–2 inches of compost into your garden bed before planting. This preps the soil, giving your veggies a healthy base from which to grow.
• During the growing season: Adding a little compost mid-season can boost plant productivity. Sprinkle compost around the base of your plants, gently work it into the top inch of soil, and water it in. I usually do this once during the growing season for heavy feeders like tomatoes, peppers, and squash.
• After harvest: Compost isn’t just for in-season care. Once you’ve harvested your crops, top off the soil with a fresh layer. This primes the soil for the next round of planting and helps it recover from the season.

6. Houseplants

Houseplants may not need as much compost as outdoor plants, but a little goes a long way in keeping them healthy and vibrant. Compost helps indoor soil retain moisture and adds a gentle dose of nutrients without overwhelming them.

• For repotting: When repotting houseplants, mix about 10–20% compost into fresh potting soil. This enriches the mix without making it too heavy.
• Topdressing houseplants: Once or twice a year, add a thin layer (about ¼ inch) of compost to the top of the potting soil. As you water, the nutrients seep down into the soil, providing a slow-release feed.

Tip for succulents: Succulents and cacti prefer way less compost since they thrive in lean, well-drained soil. If you decide to add compost, go sparingly (no more than 10%), and make sure it’s well-mixed into the soil.

Using finished compost is a great way to enrich your garden and reduce reliance on synthetic fertilizers. Each application—whether as topdressing, mulch, or tea—offers unique benefits, helping your plants stay healthy and productive. The great part about composting is that it becomes a cycle: the scraps from your garden go back to the soil, which in turn helps nourish next season’s plants.

Take a moment to observe how your plants respond to compost, and don’t be afraid to experiment a little. You’ll get a feel for what they need, and soon, you’ll be able to tweak and customize your compost use based on your garden’s unique needs.

Composting for beginners: It’s time to get started!

Learning how to make compost has been one of the most rewarding projects I’ve taken on. It’s not hard, and I get to simultaneously reduce waste and create something beneficial for our garden. Sure, you might run into a few issues here and there, but they’re easy to solve, and each small success (like finally fixing the stink or seeing your busy pile steaming on a cold morning) makes it so worthwhile.

So, what are you waiting for? Give it a try!

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