Have you ever dreamed of turning the plants, leaves, and food scraps around your home into a nutrient‑rich garden compost? Below I’ll walk you through the simple steps to create a thriving compost pile right in your backyard or a community garden.

First, find a space in your garden to compost, whether that’s in a composter or an area for a composting pile. Lay down a layer of old garden soil, then add 12‑inch layers of brown material (dry leaves, straw, shredded newspaper) followed by a layer of green material (fruit peels, vegetable trimmings, grass clippings). Repeat, piling until you have 4 to 6 layers, and keep the ratio approximately half‑green, half‑brown. Water the pile lightly after each layer so it’s damp but not soggy.

The real magic happens when you stir the pile. Every week or two, twist and turn the compost with a pitchfork. Incorporating air speeds up decomposition and keeps odors at bay. After two to three months you’ll recognize finished compost by its earthy smell and the absence of recognizable greens, although large browns may remain, and that’s fine. Often the pile will shrink to about 1/3 its size; during this time, do not add more items to the pile.

Here are some tips for trouble shooting. If the pile is sluggish, add more greens, a splash of water, and turn it more often. If it smells strong, mix in more browns—old leaves or cardboard—and turn it more frequently. Hide any vegetable scraps deep into the pile to deter pests.

Need more help? Reach out to your local county Extension office!

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