Every year, Americans toss out nearly 30 percent of their food, much of which ends up in landfills and releases methane gas into the atmosphere. But all those fruit peels, coffee grounds, and veggie scraps aren’t waste – they’re black gold in the making. With a little patience and the right balance of ingredients, composting turns kitchen scraps into a nutrient-rich soil booster that helps gardens thrive. In Texas, where the soil often battles drought and sudden downpours, compost can be a game-changer, improving moisture retention and overall soil health. Think of it as the ultimate recycling project – one that benefits both your backyard and the planet.
WHAT TO COMPOST
The key to good compost is a balance of greens (nitrogen-rich materials) and browns (carbon-rich materials).
Understanding what to compost is essential for maintaining a healthy balance in your compost pile. Materials are typically divided into two categories: “greens” and “browns.”
- Greens: Fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, tea bags, grass clippings, and eggshells.
- Browns: Dry leaves, shredded newspaper, cardboard, straw, and small branches.
WHAT NOT TO COMPOST
A healthy compost pile avoids ingredients that cause odors, attracts pests, or introduce disease:
- Meat, dairy, and oils: These may become rancid, cause foul smells, and invite unwanted critters.
- Diseased plants: These could spread pathogens into your otherwise healthy garden.
- Weeds with seeds: Skip these unless you want a surprise weed garden.
- Pet waste: It can carry harmful bacteria and parasites.
MAINTAINING YOUR COMPOST PILE
- Turn it regularly: Aerate your compost every few weeks to speed up breakdown and prevent odors.
- Monitor moisture: Aim for the feel of a wrung-out sponge. If it’s too dry, add water; if it’s too wet, mix in more browns like leaves or shredded paper.
- Deter pests: Always bury food scraps under a layer of browns and keep meat and oily foods out.
- Be patient: Composting isn’t instant, but depending on your method, you’ll have rich, dark, earthy-smelling compost in as little as two to six months.
PUT THAT BLACK GOLD TO WORK
Once your compost is ready, it’s time for the fun part! Spread it in garden beds, mix it into potting soil, or top-dress your lawn for stronger, healthier grass. Compost improves soil structure, boosts plant health, and helps retain moisture – especially valuable in Texas’ unpredictable weather.
With just a little effort, you can turn everyday scraps into a powerful resource for your garden. Whether you’re looking to grow vibrant flowers, hearty vegetables, or a lush lawn, composting is an easy, sustainable habit that rewards both your garden and the environment.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT COMPOST SYSTEM
Your ideal compost setup depends on your space, lifestyle, and patience level. Here are four popular methods:
- Traditional compost pile or bins: A simple, cost-effective option for those with a backyard. Pick a shady spot and layer your greens and browns, turning the pile regularly to speed up decomposition. In Texas heat, be sure to monitor moisture levels to keep it from drying out.
- Compost tumblers: Perfect for a tidier, enclosed system. These rotating bins make aeration effortless and are great for Texas gardeners looking to retain moisture and keep pests at bay.
- Vermicomposting:Live in an apartment? Let worms do the work. This small, indoor-friendly system uses red worms to break down organic matter into nutrient-rich worm castings – an excellent fertilizer.
- Bokashi composting: Unlike traditional composting, this fermentation-based method allows you to compost all food waste, including meat and dairy, making it ideal for small spaces.