6 Kitchen Composting Tips for Beginners

Hey garden lovers! Are you looking to give your plants extra love while reducing waste?  Composting is the way to go. As someone who’s got a bit of experience with plants, I can tell you that composting is one of the best things you can do for your garden—and our planet, too. Check out below my six recommended tips to help you get started with kitchen composting.

1. Use the Right Container

First things first: you’ll need a need a good compost bin. Depending on your budget, a simple plastic bin or even homemade ones from old pallets can work well. Consider using a countertop compost bin with a lid to prevent odor buildup, especially if you have limited space at home. These bins fit conveniently in the kitchen or patio for added convenience. 

2. Balance Greens and Browns

A successful compost pile is all about balance. For best results, aim for a ratio of about 2:1 browns to greens. This helps speed up decomposition and keeps your compost from getting smelly. For example, if you toss in a handful of coffee grounds or grass clippings (green), follow it up with some shredded newspaper (brown). It’s a bit like being an alchemist—each ingredient plays its role for the perfect mix.

3. Know What to Compost

Granted, not everything can go into the compost pile. Focus on greens (like fruit and vegetable scraps, eggshells, or coffee grounds) and browns (such as dried leaves, paper, and cardboard). A great way to add to your compost is to use leftover vegetable or fruit peels from your kitchen—these bits can turn into nutrient-rich gold for your garden! Remember to avoid meats, dairy, and oily foods though, which can attract pests.

4. Chop It Up and Keep it Airy

If you want your scraps to break down quickly, aeration is key. Make sure to turn your compost regularly for a healthy compost pile. You can opt for a pitchfork or just a plain old shovel to mix up your pile every couple of weeks. This will keep the pile from getting compacted, while also preventing odors. Not to mention being a great workout as well!

Besides aeration, chop up your kitchen scraps into smaller pieces, and they will break down faster. If you've got limited time, use an old blender or food processor to make quick work of this, turning your kitchen scraps into a compost-friendly slurry in no time!

5. Monitor Moisture Level

Your compost should not be too dry or too soggy—ideally as moist as a wrung-out sponge. If it feels too dry, add some water or more greens. Mix in more browns if it gets too wet. Don’t wait until your pile turns into a swampy mess, as this will attract odors and pests.

6. Be Patient 

Composting is a process that takes time, so take it step by step and don’t rush the process. It can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months for your compost to be fully ready, depending on the conditions. Keep monitoring your pile as it starts to break down into a dark, rich substance, and you should be on the right track. It will be totally worth it! 

If you live in an urban setting or just have limited space, consider trying an indoor composting system such as the Bokashi bucket. This method uses fermentation to break down food waste, and yes, it can even compost meat and dairy!

All in all, composting can be very rewarding and lets you gives back to both your garden and the environment. With the above tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating nutrient-rich compost that your plants will thank you for. So embrace your inner gardener, and let’s get composting folks!