Backyard Compost
Composting is a natural process that converts organic material, like food and yard waste, into
nutrient rich compost. Composting creates a great quality soil that can be used in your garden.
By composting organic waste, in our backyards, a natural environment is created where
organisms like bacteria, insects and worms can break down organic waste and recycle nutrients
back into the soil. There are many environmental benefits to backyard composting such as
reducing waste to landfill sites, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, reduces pollution and
reduces the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
Step 1: Decide on a compost bin.
Step 2: Pick a location for the bin. This should be a well-drained, sunny area where it will absorb
and retain heat; the location should also be convenient and accessible all year round as it will
encourage you to use the composter regularly.
Step 3: Build the compost pile. Composting material should be roughly one third green and two
thirds brown. Begin with a layer of browns (dried grass clippings and leaves, sawdust and
newspaper), then add a layer of greens (vegetable and fruit peels and scraps, tea bags, coffee
grounds and filters) finish with a final layer of browns.
Step 4: Add water. The organic material should be moist not soaked as this will keep the air
from flowing. To begin pour a medium sized bucket of water over everything.
Step 5: Turn the compost pile regularly. The air needs to mix in with the organic material in
order for the chemical process to keep working.
If the compost pile is:
Too wet- turn the pile and add dry brown material and cover.
Too dry- turn the pile and add water or green material and mix thoroughly.
Not heating up- add green material like fruit and vegetable scraps or green grass clippings.
Compost is ready to spread on your flower beds or lawns when the compost is dark, crumbly
and has an earthy smell and none of the original material (food scraps) are visible.