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How to start composting at home

15 July 2024

Composting At Home

Whether your outdoor space is a large garden, a small courtyard, or an even smaller balcony, we can all do more to encourage wildlife and do our bit for the planet. Making your own compost at home is a great way to tick both boxes. 

Natural compost can encourage woodlice, worms, toads, and even grass snakes in your garden, which can all help maintain and flourish your green space. Plus, compost heaps are a great way to turn waste materials into renewable substances that can feed your garden.  

But how do you do it? In this guide, we'll demystify the process and cover all you need to know to start composting. You'll be surprised at how easy it is, and we'll even show you how to build your own compost bin. 

Jump to
How to build a compost bin
What to put in your compost bin to start
What not to put in your compost bin
How to start composting
Compost Q&A’s

How to build a compost bin 

The ideal compost bin is made from upcycled wood or pallets built into a slatted design, meaning wildlife can climb in and out of the heap easily. The wonderful thing about this is palette wood is often easy to come across and is often free or very cheap to acquire – so it’s a win-win situation.  

To make your own compost bin, you’ll need four wooden pallets. Erect them in a square structure using strong string (sometimes known as lashing) or nails to hold them together. If you are planning to nail them together, it is important to follow the correct safety procedures and wear the appropriate PPE (Personal Protective Equipment). You can learn more about this in our guide to Household safety tips for DIY.

At some point, you’ll want to access the compost heap inside your bin, so it’s a smart idea to make one side of the structure removable. If you have a removable side, it will be easier to get materials in and out as you fill in the heap.  

You can find a more in-depth guide to building a compost bin on the Practically Functional website. If DIY isn’t your thing, you can pick up a premade compost bin for £25 - £100+.

DIY Compost Bin In Garden Made From Pallets

What to put in a compost bin to start 

When establishing a quality compost heap quickly, it’s essential to understand what materials make a rich compost that your garden will love. 
You should feed your compost bin a mixture of two main categories, known as green and brown materials, these are:  

  • Green materials are nitrogen-rich, like grass clippings, weeds, and uncooked veg peels.
  • Brown materials are carbon-rich, including sticks, dried grass, wood chippings, shredded paper, and cardboard. 

The secret to establishing a healthy compost heap is to mix a thin layer of alternating items to create a balanced and nutrient-rich compost mixture that will rot quickly. Getting this balance right should help you build your heap quickly, providing a warmer temperature that will kill off any weed seeds in the mix.  

Adding Veg Peelings To Compost

What not to put in your compost bin 

There are a few items that you should avoid adding to your compost bin to reduce the risk of rats; these include: 

  • meat 
  • cooked foods like bread, cooked rice, and leftovers 
  • dairy products 
  • pet waste

If you are visited by rats, cut out the vegetable peels from your regular rotation. Also, remember to keep the area tidy. This is a crucial step in preventing further visits.  

How to start composting

Making your own compost can be a rewarding and successful process if you know the steps and tools needed for the best results. 
We’ve already discussed what to include and what to avoid in your compost heap to get the best results, but here are more factors to consider.  

What is the best equipment for creating compost?

Compost must be turned backwards and forwards every couple of months so that the materials mix and bugs can work their magic. This process can sometimes get messy, but you can reduce this issue with the right equipment. Opt for a shovel for larger or deeper set compost heaps, while a trawl might do the job for those with a smaller or shallower version.  

How long does it take to create compost?

Compost typically takes around six weeks to develop, but it can take longer. Regular turning can ensure that all parts of the heap are evenly composted and that the heap doesn't get too hot during the process, which can kill off the essential aerobic bacteria. When the compost has transformed into a black and crunchy texture, it's ready to use as mulch or soil additives. 

If you plan to use the compost to make a growing substrate for your container plants, it's best to cover it with a tarp and let it mature for three months or longer. This will ensure that all the composting processes have stopped and that your plants will not be affected when you use it.  

Compost Q&A’s

Your compost heap smells, what should you do? 
Your compost may have gone anaerobic, which means there isn't enough oxygen to support aerobic microbes' growth. This is typically caused by not turning your compost enough during the decomposition process. Remember, you are responsible for turning your compost, and it's a crucial part of the process. 

To avoid this smell, always mix green and brown materials, especially when adding a lot of greens in one go. You should also avoid compressing the compost to make more space. Use an aerator (a long metal pole) to create air pockets and turn the heap once every few months. 

Your compost heap doesn’t seem to be doing much

Composting takes time and is affected by the seasons. As the temperature drops in winter, those microbes will naturally slow down and, depending on your heap size, stop altogether. You could insulate your composter with cardboard, leftover bubble wrap, or old carpet; just ensure you leave gaps for the compost to breathe. If you’re in a hurry, you can occasionally fill a large, sealed container with warm water and place it in your compost to encourage things to pick up.  

Your compost is full of worms

Worms play a vital role in your compost journey and reproduce quickly when the temperature is just right. So, it’s common sometimes to feel that these wiggly creatures are overrunning your compost. However, they are perfectly adapted to eating rotten organic matter, so they feel at home in your compost heap. In return, the worms will aerate your compost with their constant tunnelling and enrich it with warm castings. Ensure your compost isn’t too wet; when it’s very hot, they will move to the edges or try to escape. 

Worms In Compost Bins

Mushrooms are growing in your compost 

Fungi and bacteria are largely unnoticeable. However, you may notice white strands matting together, which are healthy fungal networks. When the conditions are right, the network produces a mushroom-like ‘fruit.’ Mushrooms are a positive sign that fungi are present and play an essential role in decomposing organic materials.