Turning Scraps into Soil: A Beginner’s Guide to Backyard Composting
If you’re looking for a simple way to boost your lawn and garden’s health while cutting down on waste, composting is a great place to start. Backyard composting turns everyday kitchen scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich soil that your plants will love—and it’s easier than you might think.
Why should you compost? Composting helps reduce landfill waste and gives you a free, natural fertilizer. Instead of tossing out banana peels, coffee grounds, and grass clippings, you can recycle them into something your lawn will thank you for. Plus, compost improves soil structure, retains moisture, and encourages healthy root growth.
Getting started is pretty simple. All you need is a compost bin or pile in a shady spot with good drainage. The magic happens when you mix two types of materials together. You will need a green (nitrogen rich) material, such as fruit and veggie scraps, coffee grounds, or fresh grass clippings. You will also need a brown (carbon rich) material, such as dry leaves, twigs, cardboard, or newspaper. Aim for a balance—roughly 2 parts browns to 1 part greens. Turn the pile every week or two to keep air flowing and speed up decomposition. In a few months, you’ll have dark, crumbly compost ready to spread on your lawn or garden beds.
There are a few tips for success to keep in mind. Avoid meat, dairy, and oily foods—they attract pests and slow things down. Chop up larger items to help them break down faster. Keep it moist, like a wrung-out sponge—not too dry, not too soggy.
The payoff for your work will show in how you utilize your compost. Healthy soil means a healthier lawn. Compost adds organic matter that feeds beneficial microbes and helps your grass grow lush and green or helps your garden thrive and produce healthy amounts of crop. It’s a win-win for your yard and the planet.
