Getting Started With Backyard Composting

Composting is a natural way of recycling organic material such as vegetables, leaves and egg shells into a rich, usable soil. Think of it as an eco-friendly alternative fertilizer.

With minimal effort, you can enhance your soil with environmentally-friendly fertilizer made from your yard waste (like leaves or grass clippings) and food scraps (such as coffee grounds) by using a compost bin.

Bins are easy and straightforward to use, just follow these tips to optimize your compost:

• Build a good foundation that allows for the compost to aerate. You don’t want it turning slimy at the bottom, so twigs and branches might help.
• Have a variety of waste – although leaves and straw are essential to composting, you also need some green (like food waste, grass clippings, etc.) in the bin to start the process. Have a balanced ratio!
• Cover it – and then you’re done! It’s recommended to use a digging fork and turn the compost once in a while, but for the most part you can let it sit there and it will do its job.

Quick Resources

• Backyard composting of yard, garden and food discards
• What can and can’t be composted at home?
• Don’t think composting is for you? Discover other ways to use leftover fruits and vegetables
• How to start a compost bin at a childcare facility

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