Making Your Own Compost at Home

 


Making Your Own Compost at Home

Turning kitchen waste into garden gold

Every time we scrape peelings into the bin, we’re throwing away something surprisingly valuable. Composting at home is one of the simplest ways to cut waste, save money, and improve your garden – and you don’t need acres of land or specialist kit to do it.

Why bother composting?

  • Cuts household waste – up to 30% of what we throw away can be composted

  • Saves money – less need for shop-bought compost and soil improvers

  • Improves soil health – better structure, moisture retention and nutrients

  • Reduces emissions – food waste in landfill produces methane

In short: composting is low effort, high reward.

What can go into your compost?

A good compost heap is all about balance. Think greens and browns.

Greens (nitrogen-rich):

  • Fruit and vegetable peelings

  • Coffee grounds and tea bags

  • Grass cuttings

  • Plant trimmings

Browns (carbon-rich):

  • Cardboard and shredded paper

  • Dry leaves and twigs

  • Egg cartons

  • Straw or wood shavings

A rough rule: aim for more browns than greens to avoid smells and sogginess.

🚫 Avoid: meat, fish, dairy, cooked food, pet waste, glossy paper.

Composting options for different homes

  • Garden compost bin – ideal if you’ve got outdoor space

  • Compost heap – cheap, flexible, but needs turning

  • Tumbler – quicker results, less bending

  • Wormery – perfect for flats and small gardens

No garden? A wormery under the sink can still turn scraps into compost.

How long does compost take?

  • Hot composting: 3–6 months

  • Cold composting: 6–18 months

You’ll know it’s ready when it’s dark, crumbly, and smells like woodland soil.

Common composting mistakes

  • Too much food waste, not enough paper

  • Letting it dry out completely

  • Never turning it

  • Expecting instant results

Compost is more “slow cooker” than microwave.

The bigger picture

Home composting isn’t just about gardening. It’s a small, practical step towards:

  • Reducing landfill use

  • Cutting council waste costs

  • Returning nutrients to the soil

  • Living a little more sustainably

And the best bit? It feels oddly satisfying turning yesterday’s peelings into tomorrow’s tomatoes.

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