Making Compost: Piles, Bins, Three-Bin Systems, and Worm Composting

Turn garden waste into rich compost. The simplest method is a backyard pile, but bins and worm systems work for smaller spaces.

Simple Compost Pile

Need ~10 ft². Split area in half. On one side, layer 6-inch "green" (grass clippings, soft prunings, weeds) and "brown" (dry leaves, used potting soil, wood chips, sawdust) materials. Aim for knee-high. Short on green? Add alfalfa pellets. Short on brown? Add straw (not hay). Turn weekly, moving pile to the other side. In ~1 month: coarse compost. For finer texture, continue 1–2 more months. Keep as moist as a wrung-out sponge. Note: This batch method requires all material upfront—no adding until finished.

Compost Bin

Good for limited space or tidier look. Wire cylinder or perforated plastic cylinder. Layer green/brown as above; add kitchen scraps. Chop materials to 1–2 inches for faster, finer compost. Lift cylinder weekly, turn contents, refill. Finished in 3–4 weeks.

Three-Bin System (Continuous)

Left bin: fresh material. Center: partially decomposed. Right: finished compost. Turn weekly, moving material rightward. Allows continuous addition.

Worm Composting

Red worms in a covered box with shredded newspaper. Feed kitchen scraps; harvest fine compost every few weeks. Ideal for no-yard gardeners. Supplies at garden centers.