Organic Compost — How to Use It 🌱
What is organic compost?
Organic compost is dead plants and food that turn into rich soil. Microbes and worms eat the scraps. They make dark, crumbly compost. Compost smells like earth. It looks like soil. It is full of nutrients. It helps plants grow strong.
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Why use compost?
Compost feeds the soil. It holds water longer. It helps plants resist disease. It makes roots grow deep. It reduces the need for chemical fertilizer. It also cuts kitchen waste. Compost is good for the planet.
What can go into compost?
Compost needs two kinds of things. One kind is green. The other kind is brown.
- Green: fruit peels, vegetable scraps, grass clippings, fresh leaves, tea bags.
- Brown: dry leaves, straw, paper, cardboard, small sticks.
Do not put meat, bones, dairy, or oily foods. These attract pests. Do not add diseased plants. Do not add pet poop from dogs or cats.
Where to make compost
You can make compost in a bin. You can make it in a pile. You can use a tumbler. Put it where you can reach it. A shady spot is best. The ground should drain well. Keep it away from strong wind and heavy rain.
Simple tools you need
You need only a few tools. A pitchfork or garden fork helps. A shovel helps move compost. A watering can helps to keep it damp. A thermometer helps if you want to watch the heat. But tools are not a must.
How to build a compost pile — step by step
Follow these simple steps. Each step uses short work. Do a little each day.
- Choose a spot for your compost.
- Start with a layer of coarse brown material like small branches.
- Add a layer of green material about 5–10 cm thick.
- Add a layer of brown material about 10–15 cm thick.
- Mix the layers lightly with a fork.
- Keep the pile moist like a wrung-out sponge.
- Turn the pile every 1–2 weeks to add air.
- Watch the pile. It will heat up when microbes work.
How long does compost take?
Compost time varies. It can take 2 months to 1 year. Warm, well-turned piles work faster. Smaller piles work slower. Cold composting takes longer but needs less work.
How to know compost is ready
- It looks dark and crumbly.
- It smells like earth, not like trash.
- You cannot see many bits of original food.
- It feels cool. A hot pile is still active.
How to use compost in the garden
Compost is easy to use. Use it in many ways. Each way helps plants and soil.
Mix with soil
Mix compost with garden soil when you plant. Use one part compost to two or three parts soil. Mix well. This enriches the soil. Plants get food and hold water better.
Top dressing
Spread a thin layer of compost around plants. Keep compost away from the stem. Add 1–3 cm of compost on top of the soil. It feeds plants slowly. It also helps soil hold moisture.
Use in potting mix
Add compost to pots and planters. Mix one part compost with two parts potting soil. This adds nutrients and improves soil texture. Do not use only compost in pots. Pure compost can be too dense for roots.
Make compost tea
Compost tea is a liquid feed. Put a bucket of water and a few shovels of compost. Stir and let it sit for 24–48 hours. Strain the liquid. Use the tea to water plants. It gives a quick boost to leaves and roots.
How much compost to use
Use compost but do not overdo it. Too much can burn small roots. For new beds, mix 3–5 cm of compost into the top 15 cm of soil. For existing beds, add 1–3 cm as top dressing once or twice a year. For potted plants, mix 10–30% compost into the potting mix.
Compost tips for vegetables
- Mix compost into soil before planting seeds or seedlings.
- Add compost around growing plants mid-season.
- Use more compost for heavy feeders like tomatoes and corn.
Compost tips for flowers and lawns
- Spread a thin layer on flower beds in spring.
- Top dress the lawn with a light dusting of compost in fall or spring.
- Do not cover grass deep with compost; keep it thin.
Common problems and fixes
Compost may have issues. Here are easy fixes.
- Bad smell: Add more brown material. Turn the pile to add air.
- Pests: Do not add meat or oily foods. Bury food scraps in the pile.
- Too dry: Add water. Mix well. Keep it like a wrung sponge.
- Too wet: Add dry brown material and mix. Make sure the pile drains.
- Pile not heating: Add more green material and turn. Heat means active microbes.
Safe composting
Do not add pet poop from cats or dogs. These can hold bad germs. Do not use compost that has weed seed if you plant fine seeds. If you have disease in plants, burn or trash those bits. Do not add them to compost used for food crops.
Benefits of compost for the earth
Compost helps the whole planet. It reduces landfill waste. It lowers the need for chemical fertilizer. It holds water in the soil and reduces drought stress. It builds healthy soil that stores carbon. Compost helps nature and people.
Quick checklist before you start
- Choose a bin or spot.
- Collect green and brown materials.
- Keep the pile moist and airy.
- Turn the pile every two weeks if you can.
- Use finished compost in beds, pots, or as tea.
Small garden ideas
If you have a small space, try a worm bin. Worms eat food and make great compost called castings. Use kitchen caddies to save scraps. Freeze meat or oily scraps until you can dispose safely. Use a small tumbler if you want a clean look.
Fun for kids
Kids love composting. They can help add scraps. They can turn the pile with a small fork. They can watch worms work. This teaches them about nature and recycling. It is a great school or home project. 🌎🐛
Resources and citations
Learn more from trusted sources:
- Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) — www.fao.org
- USDA Composting Basics — www.usda.gov
- Your local agricultural extension office or university extension website
- Books and guides on home composting and organic gardening
Author: FarmerDoughter Blog Writer
Publish Date: September 9, 2025