15 guides
Home composting guides
Plain-English guides to composting at home. We don't sell bins or supplies, and no brand pays us.
Getting started
Why, how and what to add.
- Why compost at home?
Less trash, better soil.
- Choose a composting method
Match it to your space.
- Greens and browns
The balance that makes it work.
- What can you compost?
And what to keep out.
Making compost
Building, moisture, heat and time.
- Build a compost pile
Layers and a good size.
- Moisture and air
Damp as a wrung-out sponge.
- Hot vs. cold composting
Fast and active, or slow and easy.
- How long does compost take?
And how to tell it's ready.
Troubleshooting
Smells, pests and slow piles.
- Why does my compost smell?
Usually too wet or too green.
- Keep pests out of compost
Cover scraps and use a closed bin.
- Compost not breaking down?
Usually too dry or too brown.
- Composting in winter
Slower, but keep adding.
Small spaces and using it
Worms, apartments and the finished compost.
- Worm composting
Compost indoors with red wigglers.
- Composting in an apartment
No yard needed.
- Using finished compost
Feed your soil.