Published on March 20, 2024
Composting at home is not just an environmentally friendly practice, but a smart way to cut down on waste, save cash in the garden and boost your overall wellbeing. Not bad for simply turning scraps into soil, right?
You don’t even need a sprawling backyard to do it. You may not even need a backyard at all. Even if you’re living in an apartment with a balcony, you can still make composting a part of your sustainable lifestyle.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process in seven simple steps.
Whether you have a backyard or just a balcony, selecting the appropriate location is crucial for successful composting. In both cases, you’ll want a spot that’s easily accessible and away from direct sunlight or extreme weather.
How much organic waste do you expect to have? Start there before deciding on the size of your container. You can DIY at home (simply find a large plastic storage bin and drill holes in the top to get started), while others may opt for a store-bought container to hold the compost. Rotating bins make turning your mixture easy and help keep pests out. Vermicomposting, the process of using worms to break down organic waste into nutrient-rich compost, can also be easily accommodated on a balcony.
Now it’s time to gather your compostable materials. What on earth can you put in this container? Start with fruit and vegetable peels and scraps; tea bags and coffee grounds; leaves and weeds; paper, cardboard and shredded newspaper; even hair and fur. Avoid adding meat, dairy, or oily foods to your compost, as they can attract pests and create unpleasant odors.
Composting involves a deliberate layering process to speed up decomposition. Start by adding a layer of browns, such as dried leaves or shredded newspaper, to the bottom of your composting container. Next, add a layer of greens, like kitchen scraps and grass clippings. Continue alternating layers of browns and greens until your container is nearly full, making sure to lightly water each layer as you go to keep the compost moist.
Turning and mixing your compost helps aerate it, which speeds up the decomposition process. If you’re using a compost tumbler, simply give it a few spins every few days. For other types of compost bins, use a pitchfork or shovel to turn the pile regularly, mixing the outer layers into the center.
Composting isn’t a simple set it and forget it process — you’ll need to keep your eye on things to ensure it’s progressing well. Ideally, your compost should be dark, crumbly and earthy smelling. Stick your hand into the pile to test the temperature; if it’s warm, the composting process is on track. Your compost also needs just the right amount of moisture; it should feel moist, but not soaking wet. If it’s too wet, add more browns, like dried leaves or cardboard. If it’s too dry, sprinkle it lightly with water. Finally, make sure your mixture is getting properly aerated by turning the pile over frequently. Since balcony composting is so much closer to your living space, you may want to introduce some dedicated odor control, such as stirring frequently, adding a layer of carbon-rich materials (like shredded newspaper or dry leaves) and using a tight-fitting lid.
Here’s the best part: after just a few months of composting, your organic waste will have (not-so-magically) transformed into nutrient-rich soil that you can use in your garden or potted plants. Just scoop out the finished compost and mix it into garden soil or pile it on top as mulch. Remember to leave some compost behind to kickstart the next batch!
Learn more
Composting is just one of many excellent examples of activities that are good for you and good for the planet. Read more about Evergreen’s commitment to sustainability.
Need more reasons to be outside in a garden this season? From building resilient communities to providing essential habitats, read about how community gardening is seeding change.
