Making your own compost is one of the best ways to recycle green waste, save money, and boost plant growth – and there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of using rich, crumbly compost you’ve created yourself.
Home composting can be done in any garden or allotment and it’s simpler than you might think. Whether you’re composting food waste, experimenting with hot composting for faster results, or even trying worm composting, all you need are a few key steps to get started.
With the right mix of materials and a little patience, you’ll soon be producing nutrient-packed compost that your plants will love.
Here’s everything you need to know about how to start a compost bin and turn your waste into garden gold.
How to set up your compost area
The first step in how to start a compost bin is choosing the right location. Select a flat, well-drained spot, ideally on bare soil, so that worms and beneficial microbes can easily move in and help with decomposition. Make sure it’s somewhere that’s accessible all year round, so you can add materials and collect your finished compost without any hassle.
Next, decide what type of compost system you want. A DIY pallet compost bin or timber composter is a great low-cost option and can be built to any size, but it won’t retain heat as well as enclosed designs. If you’re looking for something that builds up heat quickly and helps speed up composting, a plastic “Dalek-style” bin might be a better choice, as it traps warmth and retains moisture, helping materials break down faster.
What you can and can’t put in a compost bin
If you’re unsure what to add when composting food waste or garden trimmings, think in terms of two main categories: green waste and brown waste, ideally in a ratio of 2 parts brown and 1 part green.
Green waste: Nitrogen-rich materials like fruit and vegetable peelings, grass clippings, tea leaves, and spent coffee grounds. These help feed the microbes that break down your compost.
Green waste that can go in your compost bin:
- Grass clippings
- Fruit & veg
- Tea bags
- Coffee grounds
- Garden waste
Green waste that can't go in your compost bin:
Brown waste: Carbon-rich materials such as shredded cardboard, chopped woody branches, autumn leaves, and shredded paper. These help maintain structure and airflow.
Brown waste that can go in your compost bin:
- Carboard (ideally ink free)
- Paper
- Eggshells
- Straw & hay
- Meat, dairy or fish!
Maintaining the right balance keeps your compost moist but not soggy and ensures good aeration—two essential factors for healthy decomposition. Adding a mix of fresh garden clippings and kitchen scraps alongside dry materials will create nutrient-rich compost that’s ready to improve your soil.
How to keep your compost healthy
One of the best ways to improve home composting is to turn your pile regularly. This introduces oxygen into the heap, which is essential for the composting process and helps materials break down faster. Aim to turn your compost every few weeks using a garden fork or compost aerator.
If your compost isn’t breaking down as expected, it’s usually because the ratio of green to brown waste is off.
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If it’s smelly or too wet: Add more brown waste like shredded cardboard, woody clippings, or paper.
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If it’s too dry: Add more green waste like fruit and veg peelings, fresh grass clippings, or coffee grounds.
Keeping the right balance will ensure your compost stays active and healthy.
Can you speed up the composting process?
While it can take several months, or even a year or more, to create high-quality compost, there are a few ways to speed up composting naturally:
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Compost accelerators: These contain nitrogen and beneficial microbes to help organic materials break down more quickly.
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Hot composting: Maintain a higher internal temperature in your compost bin or heap by adding plenty of greens, keeping it moist, and insulating it. This can produce usable compost in as little as 6–8 weeks.
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Worm composting: Add composting worms to actively break down composting food waste and garden scraps. They'll produce 'worm castings' which are highly concentrated, nutrient-rich soil improver.
When is compost ready to use?
You’ll know your compost is ready when it’s dark, crumbly, and has an earthy smell. Sieve it to remove any larger pieces and return those to your bin for further decomposition. Finished compost should be fine-textured and free from identifiable scraps.
How to use home made compost in the garden
Beautiful home made compost is very beneficial to the garden and what better feeling is there than using what you've created? Here are some ways you can use your compost:
Soil improver
Dig compost into your soil before planting to improve structure, boost fertility, and enhance drainage.
Mulch
Spread compost on top of soil to lock in moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Potting mix
Blend compost with topsoil, sand, or vermiculite to create a rich potting mix for container plants.
Vegetable gardens
Work compost into your vegetable beds before sowing or planting to give crops a nutrient boost and improve soil health for the whole growing season.
Composting FAQs
How do you stop pests problems around your compost bin?
To avoid pests, never add meat, dairy, cooked food, or oily scraps to your compost bin, as these attract rodents and flies. Keep your bin well-sealed, cover fresh composting food waste with a layer of brown waste, and turn the pile regularly to discourage nesting. If rodents are an issue in your area, consider using a rodent-proof bin or lining the base with fine mesh.
Is it better to put a compost bin in the sun or shade?
A compost bin will work in both sun and shade, but for faster results a sunny spot is best as it helps raise the internal temperature. In warmer climates or during summer, partial shade can help prevent the pile from drying out too quickly.
With a little time, care, and patience, you’ll be turning waste into nutrient-rich soil for years to come - happy composting!