5 Composting Tips for the Summer

Summer is in full swing, fellow green thumbs, and I bet you’re out in the garden nurturing your plants, battling the heat, and dreaming of bountiful harvests. One thing that’s crucial for keeping your garden thriving, especially during the hot months, is good composting. Composting not only recycles kitchen scraps and yard waste but also feeds your soil with rich nutrients, helping your plants withstand stress from summer heat.

Having composted regularly through the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that make summer composting smoother and more effective. Here are my top 5 composting tips for summer gardens, along with real-life examples to keep it practical!

1. Keep It Moist, Not Soaked

Summer heat can dry out your compost pile faster than you realize. Compost microbes need moisture to do their job, while too much water can turn your pile into a funky-smelling swamp.

I once left my compost heap unattended during a heatwave. When I came back, it was bone dry and decomposition had stalled. I grabbed my garden hose and misted it lightly every other day. Within a week, that pile was back to bubbling with activity— with the smell of earth and life. A good rule of thumb is to keep your compost as damp as a wrung-out sponge. If it feels dry, add water as needed; if it’s soggy, turn it more often to air it out.

2. Layer Your Browns and Greens Well

Compost is a balancing act between “greens” (nitrogen-rich material like fruit scraps or grass clippings) and “browns” (carbon-rich material like dry leaves and straw). Summer gardening often means lots of green waste, so be sure to layer with enough browns to keep things balanced and prevent odors.

Last summer, I picked a lot of zucchinis and my compost was overflowing with green scraps. I started adding shredded cardboard and dried stalks from the previous fall. Not only did it keep the pile fresh, but the stalks improved the structure and aeration of the mix.

3. Turn, and Turn Some More

Aeration is key to a happy compost pile. Especially in summer, when heat speeds up microbial activity, turning your compost every 5 to 7 days helps maintain oxygen flow and prevents it from overheating.

I used to get lazy and let my pile sit for weeks without turning. It started to smell like rotten eggs! A good flip with my pitchfork revived it immediately. Now I set a reminder on my phone to turn it regularly.

4. Use a Compost Thermometer

Summer heat can be both a blessing and a curse. Compost piles ideally heat up to between 130 to 160°F to kill pathogens and weeds, but you risk killing beneficial microbes if it gets too hot. Using a compost thermometer helps you keep track and adjust.

With a compost thermometer, you can monitor your pile and turn it to keep it cool if it overheats. This way, you’ll keep the microbial community healthy and the breakdown process steady.

5. Summer-Friendly Ingredients

Certain compost materials break down faster in summer due to warmth and moisture. Things like fresh grass clippings, vegetable scraps, and coffee grounds are great. Avoid adding large branches or thick stems in summer—they decompose slower and can throw off the balance of your compost. 

I prefer to use watermelon rinds and tomato tops in summer compost. They break down quickly and add moisture and nutrients. Just make sure you chop up the big pieces to speed up decomposition.

Bonus Tip: Location Matters

Think about where you should put the compost bin. Full sun in the middle of summer can dry out your compost. If your bin is in a scorching spot, consider moving it to a shadier location, or at least providing some temporary shade with a shade cloth or tarp. A little protection from harsh sun rays can make a big difference.

Final Thoughts

Summer composting is a rewarding endeavor that keeps your garden lush and productive. With a bit of attention to moisture, aeration, and temperature, your compost pile will be more fertile and ready to boost your soil. So grab your kitchen scraps—your compost pile is waiting to work its magic!