Tips To Get Started Composting And Save Money On Fertelizor

Composting is a simple and more budget-friendly way to turn everyday organic waste into something that actually helps your garden and flowers thrive. All you have to do is take your organic waste, put it in a wooden box or ‘bin’, and then leave it to decompose or break down in its own time.

At its core, composting is taking your scraps, placing them in a bin or pile, and letting nature do the work. You end up with rich, usable compost that can feed your garden, protect your soil, and reduce waste.

But if we want to live more intentionally and steward our land well, we need to think beyond just tossing scraps into a wooden box. A truly eco-conscious compost pile does more than break things down—it becomes part of the ecosystem around it.

Here’s how to make your compost heap more than just a place to dump kitchen waste. These tips will help you create a healthy, sustainable system that fits beautifully into your backyard homestead.

Build a Compost Heap That’s Big Enough to Grow With You

It might be tempting to start small, but giving your compost pile plenty of space is one of the best things you can do. A larger heap means less chance of food or garden waste getting tossed in the trash because there’s “no room.” It also means you’re not relying on someone else to haul off your garden waste.

Plus, worms—your compost pile’s best little workers—need space to move and breathe. A well-aerated heap gives them room to do their thing, which keeps your compost healthy and breaking down as it should. Come spring, you’ll be glad you gave it room to thrive.

Let Wildlife Do What It Does Best

Composting isn’t just about the scraps. It’s about the life that thrives in the pile. From beneficial bacteria to bugs and worms, your compost pile can become a tiny hub of activity that contributes to your backyard ecosystem.

HOWEVER, be warned that if you drop veggies and other kinds of food in there, you are likely to atract raccoons and even chickens if you have them. So chickens will help turn the soil, but if you want to make sure the dirt stays in the bin, the higher the walls, the better. Just don’t be surprised if you end up with guests. If you do, give them their space until they go away.

To support that, add a variety of organic materials—don’t toss food scraps or yard clippings if they can be composted. Things like fallen leaves (gathered easily with a Worx blower and a rake are excellent additions. Even fruit and veggies that have gone bad and garden trimmings can all go right into the pile.

The more variety you add, the more you support the balance of life that keeps your compost pile working well year-round.

Skip the Sun—Your Compost Will Thank You

It might seem like the sun would help speed things up, but direct sunlight can actually do more harm than good. A compost pile that gets too hot and dry won’t break down efficiently, and it’s not great for the critters trying to live and work in there either.

Instead, aim for a shady or partially shaded spot where your compost can stay moist and balanced. That little bit of shelter makes a big difference.

If you’re working toward a more self-sustaining and intentional way of life, composting is a natural place to start. It reduces waste, supports your garden, and even brings more life into your backyard.