Compost is the closest thing to free magic in gardening: it turns kitchen scraps and garden waste into a dark, crumbly soil improver that feeds your plants and your soil for nothing. Making it is far simpler than people think — nature does most of the work. Here is how to start a compost heap and use what it makes.
- Greens scraps & fresh waste (nitrogen)
- Browns card & dry leaves (carbon)
- Air turn it now and then
- Time a few months to a year
What to put in
Greens
Fast, moist, nitrogen-rich
Veg peelings · Grass clippings · Green leaves · Tea & coffee
Browns
Dry, airy, carbon-rich
Cardboard · Dry leaves · Straw · Paper
Aim for roughly equal amounts of greens and browns. Too many greens and it turns slimy and smelly; too many browns and it just sits there. Mix them as you add.
What to leave out
- Meat, fish and dairy — they attract pests.
- Diseased plants and perennial weeds — they can survive and spread.
- Cooked or oily food.
- Cat and dog waste.
How to make compost
- Pick a spot heap or bin
- Layer greens & browns
- Keep moist like a damp sponge
- Turn for air
- Wait let it rot
- Use when dark & crumbly
Start with a layer of browns for drainage, then add greens and browns as you go. Keep it as damp as a wrung-out sponge, and turn it every few weeks to add air and speed things up. It is ready when it is dark, crumbly and smells of earth — anywhere from a few months to a year.
How to use your compost
Spread it as a mulch, fork it into beds to improve the soil, or mix a little into homemade potting blends. It is the natural partner to growing organic seeds — a closed loop from kitchen to garden and back.
Frequently asked questions
Does compost smell?
A healthy heap smells earthy. A bad smell means too many greens or not enough air — add browns and turn it.
How long does it take?
Usually 6–12 months; turning often and chopping material small speeds it up.
Can I compost in a small space?
Yes — a compact bin, wormery or bokashi bin works on a balcony or in a small yard.
Do I need a special bin?
No — a simple heap or a basic bin both work; a bin just keeps it tidy and warm.
Feed your soil, then browse all seeds.
