Turning Green Waste into Black Gold: A Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Your Home Compost

Backyard composting is a simple yet impactful way to reduce waste and enrich your garden’s soil. Transforming food scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich compost not only diverts organic matter from landfills but also provides a natural fertilizer for your plants. Ready to turn your waste into gold? Read on for instructions on how to set up your own backyard compost.

Step 1: Choose your location

Selecting the right spot for your compost pile is essential. Look for a level area with good drainage and access to sunlight. You want it to be close enough to your home to be convenient for adding kitchen scraps but not too close to prevent any potential odours.

Step 2: Decide on the composting method you’ll use

There are several home composting methods to choose from, including traditional piles, compost bins, and tumblers. Traditional piles offer simplicity and ample airflow, while bins and tumblers provide containment and faster decomposition. Visit your local hardware store to see what ready-made compost containers they offer and choose a method that suits your space, time, and preferences.

Step 3: Gather materials

Successful composting requires a balance of green (nitrogen-rich) and brown (carbon-rich) materials. Green materials include kitchen scraps like fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and grass clippings. Brown materials consist of dry leaves, straw, shredded paper, and cardboard. Aim for a mix of approximately two-thirds brown to one-third green materials.

You can also add the odd consumer product such as bin liners or resealable bags – just make sure they’re certified for home composting (all Ecopack compostable products are certified both home and commercially compostable).

Step 4: Build the compost heap

Start by layering brown and green materials in your chosen composting container. Alternate between the two, adding water periodically to keep the pile moist but not waterlogged. Chop or shred larger materials to speed up decomposition. Aim for a pile that is at least three feet wide and three feet tall to generate enough heat for efficient composting.

Step 5: Monitor and maintain your compost

Regular maintenance is key for successful composting. Turn the pile every week or two to aerate it and promote decomposition. Keep an eye on the moisture level, adding water as needed to keep it damp. Avoid adding meat, dairy, or oily foods to prevent pests and unpleasant odours.

Composting is a natural process, but it helps to monitor the temperature and appearance of your pile. A properly maintained compost pile will heat up as it decomposes, reaching temperatures of 55-70°C. If the pile smells bad or remains cool, it may need more airflow or a better balance of materials.

Step 6: Harvest your compost

After a few months of decomposition, your compost will transform into a dark, crumbly material with an earthy smell. This is your black gold that will feed your garden! Remove any larger, undecomposed materials and then spread the compost around your plants as a natural fertilizer and soil conditioner.

Setting up a home compost is a rewarding journey that not only reduces waste but also enriches your soil, nourishes your plants, and promotes sustainability. We hope you have fun creating your own "black gold" at home! and benefits the environment.