Start a basic backyard compost bin

Choose a dry, shady spot near a water source. Layer green materials (fruit/vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, grass clippings) with brown materials (dried leaves, cardboard, newspaper, straw) in roughly equal proportions. Keep the pile moist like a wrung-out sponge. Turn with a pitchfork every 1-2 weeks. Finished compost is ready in 2-6 months.

Why It Works

Composting is controlled decomposition. Balancing greens (nitrogen) and browns (carbon) creates ideal conditions for microorganisms to break organic matter into humus. Turning introduces oxygen that speeds the process and prevents odor.

Tips

• Compost: fruit/vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, eggshells, yard waste, shredded cardboard
• Do not compost: meat, dairy, oils, pet waste, diseased plants
• If it smells bad, add more browns and turn more frequently
• A simple wire mesh bin ($20-30) or three pallets nailed together is all you need