How to Start a Backyard Composting System

Q: What are the different stages of the composting process?

The composting process has three stages. First, organic decomposition starts. Then, complex organics break down. Finally, the materials fully break down and mature.

Did you know that 30-40% of the food we produce goes to waste? This fact shows how important it is for us to act now to lessen our environmental impact. By starting a backyard composting system, you can turn kitchen scraps and yard waste into soil that makes your garden thrive¹.

Contents

Composting at home is simple and rewarding. It helps you make nutrient-rich compost from kitchen scraps and yard waste. This compost can then feed your garden and vegetable beds, helping your plants grow strong. To start, pick the right spot, gather what you need, and follow easy steps to keep your compost pile healthy.

Key Takeaways:

Backyard composting is an easy and effective way to reduce waste and improve your garden’s soil quality.
Selecting the right location and materials are crucial for a successful composting system.
Maintaining proper moisture levels, air flow, and turning the compost pile are key to accelerating the decomposition process.
Compost can be harvested and applied to your garden beds to provide plants with essential nutrients.
Addressing common composting issues can help ensure your backyard system runs smoothly.

Why Start a Backyard Composting System

Composting at home is a great way to lessen your environmental impact and improve your garden soil. It helps divert organic waste from landfills, reducing waste in these facilities². In the U.S., over 28 percent of waste is food scraps and garden waste². Also, the cost to landfill municipal solid waste was about $55 per ton in 2019².

Reduce Environmental Impact

Food scraps and yard trimmings in landfills release methane, a strong greenhouse gas that harms the climate². Composting these items at home stops harmful emissions and makes nutrient-rich soil². In 2017, the U.S. generated over 267 million tons of waste, with most going to landfills or incinerators². Yet, only about 6 percent of food waste is composted².

Enrich Garden Soil

The compost from your backyard system is great for your garden soil. Compost reduces the need for fertilizers and helps plants fight off diseases³. Adding compost to soil improves its water retention and boosts nutrient levels, making plants healthier and more vibrant³.

“Knowing how to set up a garden composting system can elevate gardening efforts to the next level.”

Backyard composting is a green practice that helps the environment and your garden. It cuts down on landfill waste and makes soil rich in nutrients. This way, you can help the planet and make your garden better.

What is a Composting System?

A composting system turns yard waste and kitchen scraps into a nutrient-rich soil amendment called compost⁴. This process is key for sustainable gardening and waste management. It cuts down on landfill waste and makes a valuable fertilizer for gardens⁵.

Key Components for Composting

For composting to work well, you need a mix of carbon-rich “brown” materials and nitrogen-rich “green” materials⁶. You also need the right amount of moisture, oxygen, and microorganisms. Getting these elements right is key for good decomposition.

The 3 Stages of Composting

Initial Organic Decomposition: Microorganisms start breaking down the organic matter, creating heat and moisture⁶.
Complex Organics Breakdown: As it gets hotter, more microorganisms join in, breaking down the materials further⁶.
Final Stage of Breakdown and Maturation: The compost pile cools down, and the last bits break down into a nutrient-rich soil-like substance⁶.

Knowing about composting’s key parts and stages helps you make a great backyard composting system. This system turns your organic waste into a valuable garden resource⁴.

composting system

Composting Component	Recommended Range
Temperature	131°F – 145°F⁵
Moisture Level	40% – 60%⁵
pH Level	6.5 – 8.0⁵
Particle Size	0.5″ – 2.0″⁵
Oxygen Level	Around 5%⁵
Porosity	Over 35%⁵

Keeping the right balance of these elements makes sure your composting system works well and produces great compost⁶.

Choose a Location for Your Compost Bin

Finding the right location for your compost bin is key to successful backyard composting. It should be dry, shaded, and get at least 3-4 hours of sunlight daily. This ensures the composting works well⁷. Don’t put the bin near fences or walls, as it can block air flow, which is vital for breaking down materials⁸. The spot should also be easy to get to, so you can add stuff and mix the compost often.

Think about these things when picking a location for your compost bin:

Sunlight exposure: Put the bin in a spot that gets some sun, but is also a bit shaded. This helps the composting go faster⁸.
Proximity to a water source: Having water nearby, like a hose or rain barrel, makes it easy to keep the compost moist⁸.
Drainage: Make sure the area drains well to avoid too much moisture. This can cause bad smells and slow down the composting⁸.
Accessibility: Pick a spot that’s easy to get to for adding stuff and mixing the compost.
Wildlife and pest control: Keep the bin away from fences and buildings to keep animals and pests away⁸.

The secret to a great compost bin is finding the right location. It should have enough sunlight, the right amount of moisture, good air flow, and be easy to get to. By thinking about these things, you can make your backyard composting system work its best.

Select and Assemble Your Compost Bin

Choosing the right compost bin is key to a good backyard composting setup. There are many types to pick from, each with its own benefits for different needs and likes⁹.

Types of Compost Bins

Popular compost bin choices include open, enclosed, and tumbler bins. Open bins make adding materials easy and let air in. Enclosed bins help control the composting process. Tumblers make mixing and aerating the compost easy⁹.

Sizing Your Bin

A good size for a compost bin is about 1 cubic yard (3’x3’x3′). This size is great for proper temperature and microbial action during composting⁹. No matter the type, it should have good air flow and easy ways to turn and check the compost.

“A well-designed and properly sized compost bin can make a significant difference in the speed and quality of the composting process.”

By picking and putting together the right compost bin, you can make a backyard composting system that turns waste into rich soil⁹.

Backyard Composting System Materials

For backyard composting, mix “brown” materials rich in carbon with “green” materials high in nitrogen¹⁰. The EPA says food scraps and yard waste make up about 30% of all trash¹⁰. Composting cuts down on greenhouse gases and saves water by keeping organic waste out of landfills¹⁰. It also saves money by reducing the need for fertilizers and soil additives, lowering waste disposal costs¹⁰.

Brown (Carbon-Rich) Materials

Dry leaves
Shredded newspaper
Wood chips
Straw
Sawdust

Green (Nitrogen-Rich) Materials

Kitchen scraps
Grass clippings
Green leaves
Manure
Coffee grounds

It’s best to mix about 2 parts brown with 1 part green materials¹¹. Aim for a 2:1 ratio of “brown” to “green” for a balanced compost mix¹¹.

Brown (Carbon-Rich) Materials	Green (Nitrogen-Rich) Materials
Dry leaves, shredded newspaper, wood chips, straw, sawdust	Kitchen scraps, grass clippings, green leaves, manure, coffee grounds

¹⁰ Aim for a carbon-to-nitrogen ratio of 30:1 for good composting¹⁰. Microorganisms work best when the temperature is between 110-160°F¹⁰. They also prefer a pH of 6.0 to 8.0¹⁰.

Getting the right mix of brown and green materials is key for a good composting system. Follow these tips to make a rich soil amendment for your garden and help the planet. For more info, check out this helpful resource¹⁰¹²¹¹.

Maintain Moisture and Air Flow

Keeping the right moisture and air flow in your compost pile is key for good decomposition. The materials should be kept as moist as a damp sponge, needing regular watering, especially when it’s hot and dry¹³. Leaves are a big part of most backyard compost piles, and¹³ oak leaves have a special mix of carbon and nitrogen that makes them hard to break down¹³. For the best breakdown, the mix should be between 25:1 to 35:1 carbon to nitrogen¹³. Maple leaves, with a mix closer to 30:1, can break down quickly with the right moisture and turning.

¹³ Grass clippings are great for adding nitrogen, and¹³ animal manure is also rich in nitrogen for composting¹³. Wood chips and sawdust are high in carbon, balancing out the compost mix, and¹³ mixed paper is also carbon-rich but needs nitrogen to balance it out in compost piles.

¹⁴ Turning your compost pile every three to four days helps it break down fast, and¹⁴ turning it twice a week in tumblers works even better than once a week or less¹⁴. Adding more brown materials and turning it twice a week keeps it active¹⁴. To keep the pile hot, turn it every three to four days or when it cools down to 104°F.

¹⁴ For small piles, simple tools like shovels are enough, and¹⁴ bucket loaders are good for bigger piles, costing between $25 to $50¹⁴. Making your own turner is a budget-friendly option, and¹⁴ keeping the right mix of carbon and nitrogen means you can turn it less often.

Compost Turning Techniques	Advantages	Disadvantages
Using compost bins with cut panels and compartments	¹⁴ Can save energy and reduce turning, costing about $140 to $170 per bin.	May need more effort to keep it going and check on it.
Adding enough coarse materials like straw to open piles	¹⁴ Helps with air flow and cuts down on turning.	Needs more time and effort to get the carbon-to-nitrogen right.
Semi-static compost piles with aeration tubes inserted	¹⁴ Doesn’t need manual turning.	Can be harder to set up and keep going compared to regular piles.

“Composting can reduce waste, improve soil quality, and decrease an individual’s carbon footprint.”¹⁵

¹⁵ Small piles might not compost well, and¹⁵ flipping and turning your pile helps with air flow, letting good bugs do their job¹⁵. Mixing or turning your pile makes it break down faster, and¹⁵ screening it can make the final product smoother if you want.

¹⁵ Compost can be used in many ways, like mixing it into soil, using it on lawns, or adding it to garden beds¹⁵. If your compost has too much moisture, not enough heat, not enough nitrogen, or attracts animals, you can fix these issues by adjusting how you set up your pile or what you add to it¹³.

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Turn and Aerate Your Compost Pile

Keeping your compost pile well-aired and moist is key to quick decomposition. Turning the compost helps a lot with this. Turning the compost spreads oxygen, waking up the tiny helpers that break down the materials¹⁶. It also makes the compost even, so everything gets the heat needed for composting¹⁶.

How often you turn your compost depends on its size, moisture, and the mix of “brown” and “green” stuff in it¹⁶. A good rule is to turn it once a month¹⁶. If it’s not breaking down fast, has pests, or smells bad, it might need more turns¹⁶.

There are easy ways to get air into your compost. A compost tumbler is great because it lets you turn the whole pile easily¹⁶. Or, you can use a shovel or pitchfork to mix it up¹⁶. Aeration is good for the tiny helpers in the compost, making it break down fast and creating rich compost¹⁶.

Turning and aerating your compost pile often makes it perfect for the tiny helpers that make compost. This easy care routine gives you lots of nutrient-rich compost for your garden¹⁶¹⁷.

“Turning the compost pile is like giving it a breath of fresh air – it invigorates the microbes and accelerates the decomposition process.”

Allowed vs Prohibited Composting Materials

Composting is a great way to cut down on waste and make soil rich for your garden. It’s key to know what you can and can’t compost. Acceptable materials for composting include things like fruit and veggie scraps, coffee grounds, eggshells, leaves, wood chips, and shredded paper¹⁸.

What to Compost

Fruit and vegetable scraps
Coffee grounds and tea bags
Eggshells
Leaves, straw, and other yard waste
Shredded paper and cardboard

What Not to Compost

But, some things shouldn’t go into your compost pile. Don’t add meat, dairy, oils, or sick plant waste. These can draw pests or slow down the composting¹⁹.

Meat, poultry, fish, and bones
Dairy products
Oils, grease, and fats
Waste from sick or diseased plants
Charcoal ash and coal
Cat or dog waste

Stick to the allowed materials for a healthy compost pile. This way, your garden and the planet will thank you²⁰.

“Composting helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, recycle nutrients, decrease synthetic fertilizer use, enhance soil quality, and improve water retention capacity in soil.”

Allowed Composting Materials	Prohibited Composting Materials
Fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, eggshells, leaves, wood chips, shredded paper	Meat, dairy products, oils, waste from sick plants, charcoal ash, coal, cat or dog waste

¹⁸

Backyard Composting System Tips

To make your backyard composting system work well, follow these tips. Start by cutting your materials into smaller pieces to help them break down faster²¹. Covering the pile keeps it warm and moist, which is key for breaking down the materials²². If you have too much brown material, add some nitrogen fertilizer to balance it out and speed up composting²³.

Don’t leave food waste on top of the pile, as pests like rodents might be attracted to it²². Instead, put food scraps in the middle of the pile where it’s hot and decomposition happens fast²³.

By using these easy tips, you can make a great backyard composting system. It will help reduce waste, improve your garden soil, and support a greener lifestyle²³.

Harvest and Use Your Finished Compost

The wait is finally over! After 4-12 months, your compost is ready to be used. It will have a dark, crumbly texture and an earthy smell, showing it’s ready²⁴.

To use it, spread a 1-2 inch layer around your plants. Then, mix it into the top 1-2 inches of soil. This adds nutrients and improves soil structure, helping your plants grow well²⁵.

For the best results, add the compost in the fall. This lets the soil absorb the nutrients before the growing season starts. It gives your plants a boost, making them healthy and strong.

The compost pile will shrink by 30-50% when it’s done. It’s best to let it “age” for six months before using it in the soil²⁵. Adding unfinished compost can harm plant growth and make leaves turn yellow. So, wait until it’s fully composted before using it.

“Compost is the key to healthy, vibrant gardens. It improves soil structure, retains moisture, and provides essential nutrients for your plants.”

With patience and care, you can turn kitchen and yard waste into a garden resource. So, get out there and start harvesting your finished compost. Create a lush, thriving outdoor oasis!

Troubleshoot Common Composting Issues

Dealing with a backyard composting system can sometimes be tough. But, with the right tips, you can fix your compost pile easily. Compost piles that smell bad or attract often show there’s a problem that needs fixing²⁶.

A big issue is anaerobic conditions, where there’s not enough oxygen for the microbes that break down materials. This leads to bad smells like hydrogen sulfide²⁶. To fix this, turn the pile often and add “brown” stuff like dried leaves or wood chips to help air get in²⁷.

Too much excess nitrogen from “green” stuff like food scraps or grass clippings can cause ammonia smells²⁶. Adding more “brown” materials can balance this out²⁷.

Not enough moisture or not enough microorganisms can slow down composting, making the pile cool instead of heat up²⁶. Fix this by adjusting the moisture and adding more finished compost or a special starter²⁷.

Common Composting Issues	Troubleshooting Tips
Anaerobic conditions (rotten smells)	Turn the pile more frequently, add carbon-rich “brown” materials
Excess nitrogen (ammonia odors)	Balance carbon-to-nitrogen ratio by incorporating more “browns”
Lack of moisture or microorganisms	Adjust moisture level, add finished compost or inoculant

By fixing common composting problems, you can keep your composting system working well. It will break down organic matter and make nutrient-rich soil for your garden²⁷.

“Learning to solve composting issues through experience and trying new things is key to keeping compost piles successful.”

Conclusion

Starting a backyard composting system is easy and rewarding. It helps you become more sustainable and improves your garden’s health. By following this guide, you can set up a compost bin and use the right materials. This turns your kitchen and yard waste into nutrient-rich soil²⁸.

With patience and attention, you can enjoy homemade compost and lessen your environmental impact. A typical household creates about 30 percent waste that can be composted²⁸. Backyard composting programs help divert around 14 percent of this waste, saving over 1,145 tons a year²⁸.

Home composting also saves money for governments. They save an average of $23 per ton in collection costs and $32 per ton in disposal costs²⁸. This adds up to a total net benefit of $43 to $44 per ton of solid waste²⁸.

Starting your own backyard composting system enriches your garden soil and helps the planet. So, why not try it and see the joy of turning waste into something valuable?

FAQ

What are the benefits of starting a backyard composting system?

Starting a backyard composting system helps reduce landfill waste. It’s good for the planet. The compost also enriches garden soil, giving plants the nutrients they need to grow well.

What are the key components for successful composting?

Successful composting needs carbon-rich “brown” materials and nitrogen-rich “green” materials. It also requires moisture, oxygen, and microorganisms.

What are the different stages of the composting process?

The composting process has three stages. First, organic decomposition starts. Then, complex organics break down. Finally, the materials fully break down and mature.

What factors should be considered when selecting a location for your compost bin?

Choose a spot that’s dry and shaded, getting 3-4 hours of sunlight daily. It should have good air flow on at least two sides. Don’t put the bin too close to fences or walls, as this can block air.

What types of compost bins are available, and how do you determine the right size?

There are many compost bins to pick from, like open, enclosed, and tumblers. A 1 cubic yard (3’x3’x3′) bin is a good size for proper temperature and microbial activity.

What materials are considered “brown” and “green” for composting, and what is the recommended ratio?

“Brown” materials like dry leaves and shredded newspaper add carbon. “Green” materials, such as kitchen scraps, provide nitrogen. Aim for a mix of 2 parts brown to 1 part green.

How do you maintain the right moisture level and air flow in the compost pile?

Keep the pile as moist as a damp sponge. Water it regularly, especially when it’s dry. Turn the pile once a month to ensure good air flow and speed up decomposition.

What are the benefits of regularly turning or mixing the compost pile?

Turning the pile once a month is key. It keeps air flowing and speeds up decomposition. This action spreads oxygen, helping microorganisms break down the materials.

What materials are acceptable and prohibited for composting?

You can compost fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and more. But avoid meat, dairy, oils, and sick plant waste. These can attract pests or slow down the process.

What are some tips for maintaining a successful backyard composting system?

Chop materials to speed up decomposition. Cover the pile to keep heat and moisture in. Use nitrogen fertilizer if there’s too much brown material. Don’t leave food waste on top to avoid pests.

How do you harvest and use the finished compost?

After 4-12 months, your compost is ready. It should look dark and crumbly with an earthy smell. Use it to enrich your garden by adding it to the soil or mixing it in the top layer.

How do you troubleshoot common composting issues?

If your compost smells bad or attracts pests, it might be too wet or dry. Or, it could have too much of one type of material. Fix these by adjusting moisture, turning the pile, or removing bad items.