Best way to make homemade compost

Are you looking for a sustainable way to reduce waste and enrich your garden soil? Creating homemade compost is the answer! According to the EPA, food scraps and yard waste together constitute more than 30 percent of what we throw away.

By composting these materials, you can significantly reduce waste while producing nutrient-rich soil for your garden.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to start your own composting system, from gathering materials to troubleshooting common issues.

Materials and Supplies

To create effective homemade compost, you’ll need:

Compost bin or designated area (3×3 feet minimum)
Brown materials (carbon-rich): dried leaves, cardboard, paper, wood chips
Green materials (nitrogen-rich): fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, grass clippings
Garden fork or compost turner
Water source
Optional: compost thermometer, compost accelerator

Don’t have a commercial bin? No problem! You can create a DIY compost system using wooden pallets, a plastic storage container with drilled holes, or even a simple pile in a shaded corner of your yard.

Timing

A well-maintained compost pile typically takes 2-12 months to fully decompose, depending on your climate, materials, and management techniques. The USDA reports that active management can reduce composting time by up to 70%. Here’s a general timeline:

Setup: 1-2 hours
Active decomposition phase: 2-8 weeks (temperatures reach 120-160°F)
Curing phase: 1-3 months
Maintenance: 15-30 minutes weekly

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Choose Your Location and Container

Select a level, partially shaded area with good drainage. Place your bin or create your pile in this location, ensuring it’s accessible year-round and has room for turning.

Step 2: Add Brown and Green Materials

Layer your materials using the proper ratio: approximately 3 parts brown to 1 part green materials. This carbon-to-nitrogen ratio (25-30:1) is optimal for decomposition, according to Cornell University’s Composting Resources.

Step 3: Maintain Moisture and Aeration

Keep your compost pile as moist as a wrung-out sponge—about 40-60% moisture. Turn the pile every 1-2 weeks using a garden fork to incorporate oxygen, which accelerates decomposition.

Step 4: Monitor and Adjust

Check the temperature periodically. A hot pile (120-160°F) indicates active decomposition. If your pile isn’t heating up, try adding more greens or ensuring proper moisture levels.

Compost Profile & Care

Optimal pH: 6.0-8.0
Temperature range: 120-160°F during active phase
Moisture: 40-60%
Maintenance: 15-30 minutes weekly
Harvest time: Ready when dark, crumbly, and earthy-smelling
Common issues: Odors, pests, slow decomposition

Varieties & Alternatives

Different composting methods suit various living situations:

Traditional pile: Ideal for large yards
Tumbler systems: Perfect for smaller spaces and faster results
Vermicomposting (worm composting): Great for apartments and indoor use
Bokashi: Fermentation method that handles meat and dairy waste
Trench composting: Direct-to-garden method requiring no bin

Apartment dwellers can successfully create DIY compost using counter-top collectors or under-sink vermiculture systems.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Adding meat, dairy, or oily foods (attracts pests)
Including diseased plants or perennial weeds
Creating a pile that’s too small to generate heat
Neglecting to turn the pile, resulting in anaerobic conditions and odors
Adding too many green materials, causing slimy, smelly compost

Conclusion

Creating homemade compost is not only environmentally responsible but also economically smart. By converting your kitchen and yard waste into “black gold,” you’ll reduce landfill contributions while creating nutrient-rich soil amendments for your garden. Start small, be consistent with maintenance, and you’ll soon be rewarded with beautiful, rich compost that your plants will love. Have you started composting yet? We’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!

FAQs

How often should I turn my compost pile?
Turn your pile every 1-2 weeks for optimal aeration and faster decomposition.

Can I compost in winter?
Yes, decomposition slows but doesn’t stop completely. Consider insulating your bin with straw bales or using a smaller winter bin.

Why does my compost smell bad?
Foul odors typically indicate too many green materials, too much moisture, or poor aeration. Add more browns and turn your pile more frequently.

How do I know when my compost is ready to use?
Finished compost is dark brown, crumbly, and smells earthy—like forest soil. Original materials should be unrecognizable.

Can I compost weeds?
Avoid composting seeding or perennial weeds unless your pile maintains high temperatures (over 140°F) for extended periods to kill seeds and roots.