how to compost at home

Composting at home involves balancing green and brown organic materials with water and air to create nutrient-rich soil amendment.

Balance your ingredients. Greens are nitrogen-rich materials like fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and fresh grass clippings. Browns are carbon-rich materials such as dry leaves, straw, shredded paper, and cardboard. Aim for a ratio of two to three parts brown to one part green.
Manage moisture and air. Maintain moisture levels so the pile feels like a wrung-out sponge. Turn the pile regularly with a garden fork or shovel to provide oxygen, which helps microorganisms break down materials efficiently and prevents odors.
What to avoid. Avoid adding meat, dairy, fats, oils, grease, and pet waste, as these can attract pests and create unpleasant odors. Always cover fresh food scraps with a layer of browns.
Recognizing finished compost. Finished compost is dark, loose, and crumbly with an earthy smell. Depending on the method and maintenance, it can take anywhere from a few months to a year to fully decompose.