How to Compost Simply

Compost is created when organic material such as plant remains, egg shells, and coffee grounds break down. This process is called decomposition. Compost creates a dark, rich material with an earthy smell suitable for adding to your garden, your lawn and even to your houseplants. It is the healthiest, most environmentally friendly way to recycle both kitchen and yard waste while keeping extra materials out of the landfills.

Binless composting means that you will build a compost pile in a convenient spot on the ground or in a semi-contained area. It is wise to keep this area somewhat shielded from your neighbors so they aren't disturbed by what may, to them, appear to be a garbage pile. If the pile is accessible from your kitchen or the place you throw your other household waste, it will be more likely that you will use it.

There are many commercial bins on the market, some that will even make turning your compost pile into something as simple as turning a crank. This is, obviously, a more expensive option than binless or building your own bin.

Just like any living thing, your compost pile will need air, food and water. If you don't want your compost pile to smell like rotting garbage you will have to make sure there is plenty of air in your compost pile. This is why it is important to break up, turn and mix your compost pile at least once or twice a week. If your pile is too wet you will have to turn it more often, but if it is too dry it is important to water your compost. Compost should be as damp as a wrung-out sponge to ensure the microbes can live and break down the material in your composting pile. Composting also requires two types of "food": Browns and Greens. Brown material is dry and dead plant matter, wood chips and the like. Brown material will most likely need to be watered when it is added to your compost pile. Green material is fresh plant matter. This could be kitchen scraps (plant matter only), coffee grounds, tea bags, and even fresh horse manure.

Under no circumstances should you compost human or pet waste, any kind of meat, bones or other fatty food wastes, diseased plants, chemically treated wood or weeds that sprout even after their roots are pulled up (such as sorrel or morning glories). Any of these things can attract pests, cause unpleasant odors or simply harm the soil you are trying to enrich.