Composting can feel like one of those things that’s either second nature or an absolute mystery. Maybe you’ve stood over your food bin, holding a banana peel and wondering: does this really turn into soil? Or perhaps you’ve eyed that unused patch of garden with vague intentions of “starting a heap” one day.
If that sounds like you, don’t worry. Composting isn’t as complicated as it first seems. You don’t need a farm, a biology degree, or a Pinterest-perfect system to get going. You just need to start. Here's how.
Understand What Composting Actually Is
Let’s demystify things. Composting is the natural process of organic matter breaking down into a nutrient-rich material you can use to feed your soil. That’s it. Leaves, veg peelings, coffee grounds, cardboard — all of it will, given time and the right conditions, rot into something useful.
The key to good composting is balance. You need a mix of "greens" (nitrogen-rich materials like food scraps, grass clippings, and fresh garden waste) and "browns" (carbon-rich materials like dry leaves, cardboard, and paper). Add air, a bit of moisture, and patience, and nature does the rest.
Pick a Composting Method That Suits You
There are loads of composting methods out there — hot bins, cold heaps, tumblers, wormeries, Bokashi bins. But when you’re just starting, don’t get overwhelmed by the options. You only need to answer one question: what kind of composting fits your lifestyle?
If you’ve got a garden, a simple compost bin or open heap might be perfect. If you’re tight on space or just want to dip your toe in, a small kitchen caddy and a Bokashi bin under the sink might be more your speed. It doesn’t have to be perfect — it just has to be doable.
Choose Your Spot and Your Container
If you're going with a bin or heap, location matters. Pick a level spot with good drainage. Some sunlight is helpful to speed things up, but it doesn’t need to be full sun. Ideally, you’ll want it somewhere convenient — if it’s a pain to get to, you’re less likely to use it.
As for containers, you can buy ready-made compost bins, make your own from pallets, or simply create a tidy heap. If you’re using a closed bin, make sure it has ventilation holes. If you’re indoors, Bokashi or worm bins keep things neat and odour-free.
Start Adding the Right Stuff
Here’s where people get nervous. What can you actually compost? Don’t overthink it. Kitchen scraps like fruit and veg peels, tea bags (if they’re plastic-free), coffee grounds, and crushed eggshells are all good. Garden waste like grass clippings, prunings, and weeds (before they seed) are great too.
Balance is key. Too many “wet” materials, and your bin may smell or go slimy. Too many dry ones, and decomposition slows down. Think of composting like layering a lasagne: greens, then browns, then repeat. If it’s too wet, add more cardboard or shredded paper. If it’s too dry, add some fresh greens or a splash of water.
Keep It Moving
Compost likes air. Turning your pile helps speed things up and stops it from becoming a smelly mess. You don’t need to do it daily — once every week or two is enough. If you’re using a tumbler, just give it a few spins. If it’s a heap or bin, use a fork or aerator to mix things up.
You’ll notice the pile starts to shrink and warm up over time — that’s the magic happening. In a few months, you’ll see dark, crumbly compost that smells like earth. That’s your cue that it’s ready to use.
Stick With It (Even When It’s a Bit Gross)
Let’s be honest: composting isn’t always glamorous. Sometimes there are fruit flies. Sometimes things go soggy. Sometimes you forget to add browns and it turns into a sad, wet lump.
That’s okay.
Mistakes are part of learning. If it’s smelly, add more browns. If nothing’s breaking down, turn it more. If you’ve got flies, cover food scraps with a layer of paper or leaves. Every heap is different — you’ll learn what yours needs as you go.
Use It in Your Garden (Or Share It)
Once your compost is ready, use it generously. Dig it into your beds, spread it as mulch, mix it into containers. If you’re not a gardener, someone nearby almost certainly is. Ask around — compost is like garden gold, and people are often delighted to take it off your hands.
You’ll also be amazed at how much less waste you’re throwing away. Food scraps, garden clippings, paper — it all starts to feel like raw material instead of rubbish.
In Conclusion: Start Where You Are
If composting still feels overwhelming, remember this: you don’t have to do it perfectly, and you don’t need to clear your whole garden to make it happen.
In fact, some people only discover a compost bin tucked behind their shed after they’ve had a London shed clearance company come through and uncover a long-lost corner of potential. You don’t need to wait for that. Just start with a bucket, some peelings, and a bit of curiosity.
Nature already knows what to do. Your job is just to give it a place to begin.
