How to Make Garden Compost

Making your own garden compost is one of the most sustainable and rewarding ways to improve your soil, reduce waste, and nurture your garden. Whether you live in a small apartment with a balcony or on a large plot in the countryside, creating compost can benefit your plants and the environment. In this guide, we’ll break down the process into easy steps that anyone in South Africa can follow.

Why Make Compost?

Compost is often called "black gold" by gardeners because of the rich nutrients it adds to the soil. It’s made by recycling organic matter such as vegetable scraps, garden waste, and other biodegradable materials. When these materials decompose, they turn into nutrient-rich humus that helps plants grow better.



Some of the benefits of making compost are:

Improved soil structure: Compost helps to retain moisture in sandy soils and improves drainage in clay soils.

Reduces waste: Instead of sending kitchen scraps and garden trimmings to the landfill, you recycle them into something useful.

Sustainable: Composting reduces the need for chemical fertilizers, promoting healthy ecosystems.

Materials You Need

Composting requires two main types of materials:

1. Green materials (Nitrogen-rich):

Fresh grass clippings
Vegetable scraps
Coffee grounds
Manure from e.g. cows, horses, or chickens)

2. Brown materials (Carbon-rich):

Dry leaves
Shredded newspaper
Straw or hay
Sawdust (from untreated wood)
Cardboard

For South Africans, consider what’s locally available.

For example:

Dry leaves: In autumn, gather up the fallen leaves from indigenous trees like the Acacia or Aloe plants. They’re a great addition to your compost pile.

Vegetable scraps: If you grow vegetables at home (e.g., spinach, carrots, or tomatoes), use their leftover parts to boost your compost.

How to Start Making Compost, Step-by-Step

Step 1: Choose Your Composting Method

You can compost in different ways depending on your space and resources.

1. Compost Pile: This method works best if you have a larger outdoor space, such as a garden or farm. Pile your compostable materials in a corner of your garden.

2. Compost Bin: If you have limited space or want a more organized approach, compost bins are ideal. These are available in most garden stores or you can make one yourself.

3. Vermicomposting: This method uses worms to break down organic waste. It’s perfect for apartments or small spaces in urban areas.

Step 2: Select the Right Location

Pick a well-drained area for your compost pile or bin. It should be near your garden, but not too close to your house to avoid unpleasant smells.

The ideal spot is:

Shaded or partly sunny (too much sun can dry out your compost, while too much shade can slow down decomposition). Well-ventilated for airflow, which helps the decomposition process.

Step 3: Layer the Materials

Begin layering your materials, starting with brown (carbon-rich) materials, followed by green (nitrogen-rich) materials. A simple ratio to follow is 3 parts brown to 1 part green. This ensures that your compost will break down properly and doesn’t become smelly.

Here’s a suggested layering process:

Bottom layer: Start with coarse materials like twigs or straw. This helps with airflow at the bottom.

Middle layers: Alternate between brown materials (like dry leaves or shredded paper) and green materials (like vegetable scraps or grass clippings).

Top layer: Add a final layer of brown materials. You can also cover the pile with a tarp or plastic sheet to keep moisture in and pests out.

Step 4: Turn the Pile

To speed up decomposition, it’s important to "turn" or mix your compost pile. This helps provide oxygen, which encourages microorganisms to break down the materials. Turn your pile every 2 - 3 weeks with a garden fork or compost turning tool. If you have a compost bin with a rotating system, this can be much easier!

Step 5: Keep it Moist

Your compost pile must never be soggy, but needs to always be moist. Decomposition will be slow if it is too dry, and it will be smelly and attract pests if too wet. To get it right, imagine a wrung-out sponge. If the pile is too dry, water it lightly; if too wet, add more brown materials to balance it out.

Step 6: Wait and Harvest

Depending on the weather and materials, composting can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months. During this time, your compost will shrink and darken in colour. When it’s ready, it will look like rich, dark soil and smell earthy. You can sift it through a screen to remove any large pieces that haven’t broken down yet.

Possible Challenges and How to Solve Them

Smelly Compost:

Cause: Too many green materials (e.g., food scraps) and not enough brown materials (e.g., dry leaves).

Solution: Add more brown materials and ensure the compost is well-aerated. Turning the pile regularly can help prevent odour.

Too Dry:

Cause: Lack of moisture, especially in summer months. Solution: Water the compost regularly to maintain proper moisture levels.

Pests:

Cause: Attracting flies or rodents. Solution: Avoid adding meat, dairy, or oily foods to the compost. You can also cover your compost with a tarp or bin lid.

Slow Decomposition:

Cause: Not enough oxygen or moisture. Solution: Turn your compost regularly to introduce more air, and check the moisture level.

Composting in South Africa: Tips for Local Success

1. Consider the Climate: South Africa’s varied climate affects composting. In areas with hot, dry summers, you may need to water your compost more frequently. In cooler, wetter areas, be careful not to let the pile get too soggy.

2. Indigenous Plants: South Africa’s indigenous plants, like proteas, fynbos, and aloes, may benefit from specific composting practices. Incorporating plant-based compost, especially from local species, can enrich your soil.

3. Worm Farming: If you live in an urban area, vermiculture (worm composting) is a great alternative to traditional composting. It’s compact and efficient, making it ideal for apartment dwellers.

Making your own garden compost is a sustainable and affordable way to enrich your soil and reduce waste. Whether you’re in Johannesburg, Cape Town, or Durban, you can start composting today with simple materials. By following these steps, you can create nutrient-rich compost that will make your garden thrive.