How To Make Compost for Organic Gardening

Making your own compost for organic gardening is a rewarding process that transforms kitchen scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich soil amendment. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create effective compost:

1. Choose Your Composting Method

There are several methods to compost, depending on your space and needs:

• Compost Bin:  A contained space for composting that helps maintain heat and moisture.

• Compost Pile:  A simple heap of organic materials in a designated area.

• Vermicomposting:  Using worms to break down food waste quickly.

• Bokashi:  An anaerobic method that ferments food scraps.

2. Gather Ingredients

To create a balanced compost, you'll need a mix of "greens" and "browns"...

Greens (Nitrogen-Rich):

• Fruit and vegetable scraps

• Coffee grounds

• Grass clippings

• Fresh plant trimmings

• Manure from herbivores

• Browns (Carbon-Rich):

• Dried leaves

• Straw or hay

• Shredded paper or cardboard

• Pine needles

• Sawdust from untreated wood

Aim for a ratio of about 1 part green to 1 part brown, although some recommend up to 4 parts brown to 1 part green for optimal decomposition.

3. Build Your Compost Pile

Start with a layer of coarse browns (like twigs) at the bottom to improve airflow.

Alternate layers of greens and browns, ensuring even distribution.  Keep the pile moist but not soggy; it should feel like a damp sponge.

4. Maintain Your Compost

Turn the compost every few weeks using a pitchfork or shovel to introduce oxygen, which speeds up decomposition. Aim for temperatures between 130°F and 160°F for effective breakdown.  Check the moisture level regularly. If it feels dry, add water; if it’s too wet, add more browns.

5. Monitor the Process

Keep an eye on the compost pile's temperature and smell. A well-maintained pile should have a pleasant earthy smell. If it smells foul, it may be too wet or not aerated enough.

The compost is ready when it is dark, crumbly, and no longer recognizable as its original components, typically within 2 to 6 months, depending on conditions.

6. Use Your Compost

Once finished, use your homemade compost to enrich garden beds, potting mixes, or as a top dressing for plants. It improves soil structure, moisture retention, and nutrient availability.

By following these steps, you can efficiently make your own compost at home, contributing to healthier plants and reducing waste in your kitchen and garden!

If you need any further help or have any questions about service, tractors, implements, or anything else equipment-related, please contact your dealer, local mechanic, or call us at 602-734-9944.  Please ask about our current new and used tractor supply.

If you are looking for old, vintage, classic, or new tractor parts, send us a part request. 

Team Tractor Ranch - #1 Tractor Dealer in Arizona. We sell and service most major brands of tractors including Yanmar, Kubota, John Deere, TYM, Mahindra, Kioti, Case, New Holland, Massey Ferguson, Ford, Deutz, Case IH, Farmall, International Harvester, Branson Tractors, LS, Shibura, Claas Tractor, McCormick Tractors, Valtra, Solis, YTO, Montana, and Nortrac.