Summer’s here, fellow green thumbs. If you’ve been composting through the cooler months, you will know firsthand how satisfying it is to turn kitchen scraps into nutritious soil. But when the temperature starts rising, things can get trickier. Hot weather accelerates decomposition but also brings unique challenges, including pests, odors, and drying out.

As a gardener who’s been composting for a few years, I’ve learned a few hacks to keep my kitchen compost happy and healthy even in the heat. Here are my top tips and some fun examples to help you breeze through your summer composting. 

1. Keep It Moist, But Not Too Much

Your compost can dry out faster in hot weather, which slows down the decomposition process. Think of your compost as a wrung-out sponge—it should be damp but not soaked. Every few days, lightly mist your compost pile with water. If you’re using a kitchen compost bin, simply have a small spray bottle nearby and give your scraps a quick spritz before closing the lid.

Tip: I keep a small spray bottle labeled “compost mist” under my kitchen sink, and I spray my compost when I add new scraps. It’s a small habit that works wonders to keep things active.

2. Balance Greens and Browns

Summer scraps tend to be juicy and nitrogen-rich—think watermelon rinds, tomato scraps, and fresh herbs. These can get smelly if though there’s no carbon to balance them out.

Hack: Add in plenty of dry “browns” like shredded newspaper, dry leaves, or even coffee filters. Brown materials help absorb excess moisture and reduce odors. It’s like giving your compost a little breath of fresh air. 

3. Chop It Up

Chopping your scraps into maller pieces will help them decompose faster, which is great for hot weather when microbes are working overtime.

Tip: Use scissors or a small knife to cut scraps into bite-sized bits before tossing them into the bin. For instance, instead of tossing in a whole banana peel, I like to slice it up into strips. This way, the pile heats evenly, and the decomposition doesn’t get stuck on just the big chunks.

4. Use a Covered Bin

Flies and other pests love warm, smelly compost—especially in the hot season. To keep them at bay, use a compost bin with a tight lid and small air holes. You can also add a layer of dry browns or finished compost on top after you add fresh scraps can help seal in smells and discourage pests. 

Hack: My kitchen compost bin has a lid with tiny ventilation holes, and I sprinkle a handful of dry leaves or finished compost on top every time. This simple step cuts down the presence of flies and keeps my kitchen smelling fresh.

5. Freeze Scraps That You Don’t Compost

If you’re on the go or can’t get to your compost bin regularly, freeze your kitchen scraps in a sealed container or bag. This prevents odors and pests from invading your kitchen and compost pile.

Example: On hot summer weekends when I’m out of town, I stash my veggie scraps in the freezer. When I return, I thaw and add them to the compost pile all at once. This also gives the microbes a nice nutrient boost. 

6. Bokashi for Odorless Fermentation

Bokashi is a game-changer if you’re looking for a composting method tailored for hot seasons or small spaces.  It’s essentially a fermentation process that uses beneficial microbes to break down food waste fast—even meat and dairy!

Example: I used a small Bokashi bucket last year for kitchen scraps that don’t usually go into my outdoor pile, like dairy products and cooked leftovers. After a couple of weeks, I bury the fermented scraps in my garden soil, and it works magic for plant growth.

Final Thoughts

Hot weather composting might require a bit more attention, but it’s totally doable and very rewarding. Keeping your compost moist, chopped, and covered, as well as using some clever hacks like freezing or Bokashi, will keep your kitchen composting all summer long. Your soil and plants will thank you!