Composting is an easy way to reduce household waste and create nutrient-rich compost for your garden.
1. Get the right mix
A good compost pile needs a balance of greens and browns.
- Greens: Fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds and grass clippings.
- Browns: Dry leaves, shredded paper, cardboard and small twigs.
Aim for more browns than greens to help prevent unpleasant smells, improve airflow and support healthy decomposition.
2. Choose a composting method
There are options to suit different homes and spaces:
- Compost bins: Ideal for most households with outdoor space.
- Compost tumblers: Easy to turn and maintain.
- Worm farms: Great for small spaces and apartment living.
- Bokashi bins: A compact option for fermenting food scraps indoors.
3. Keep your compost healthy
A few simple adjustments can help your compost break down properly:
- Smelly? Add more browns and turn the pile.
- Too dry? Add a little water or more greens.
- Not breaking down? Chop materials into smaller pieces and turn more often.
Your compost should feel like a wrung-out sponge: moist but not soaking wet.
4. Know what to leave out
Keep these items out of a standard home compost pile:
- Meat, fish and dairy products
- Oily foods and greasy leftovers
- Treated or painted wood
- Glossy paper
- Weeds with seeds
- Pet waste
Some specialised systems can handle certain foods, so check the guidelines for your chosen method.
5. Start small
Collect your fruit and vegetable scraps this week and choose a composting method that suits your home. Every little bit helps reduce waste and give your garden a natural boost!
