How to Make Compost at Home | Beginner's Guide

Composting is a simple and eco-friendly way to turn organic waste into natural fertilizer for your plants. Learning how to make compost will not only help you reduce your waste, but it will also allow you to care for your plants and contribute to the environment in a simple and effective way.

At Brikum, we know that knowing how to make compost at home can be complicated, especially if it's your first time trying it. So, to help you, we've created a complete guide to getting started with your composter at home, even in urban spaces.

What exactly is compost?

Before learning how to make compost, we must understand exactly what it is and what it's used for. Compost is the result of a natural decomposition process of organic waste, which becomes an ideal fertilizer for plants and gardens.

Knowing how to make compost at home has multiple benefits, both for the environment and for your daily life.

The main benefits of doing it yourself

• Waste reduction : Reuse food and garden scraps that would otherwise end up in the landfill.
• Natural fertilizer : You get a free and ecological fertilizer.
• Sustainability : You help reduce your ecological footprint by managing your own waste.

Materials needed to make compost

When it comes to composting, it's also important to have the right gardening tools , so before you begin, make sure you have the right materials and supplies.

What you need

• Composter : A composter is a container where the decomposition process will take place.
• Organic waste : fruit and vegetable scraps, eggshells, dry leaves and grass clippings.
• Brown material : cardboard, untreated paper or dry branches, which provide carbon and help balance the mix.
• Green material : kitchen scraps and fresh grass, rich in nitrogen.

Avoid including

• Dairy products or meats, which can generate unpleasant odors.
• Cooked or greasy residues.
• Sick plants or seeds that can germinate.

How to choose the ideal composter for urban areas

If you live in an urban environment, composting will be much easier if you have a suitable compost bin in your apartment. Choosing the right compost bin is key to efficient and hassle-free composting.

The most important factors to consider are choosing a composter model that's the right size and has a smart design for the space you have at home, especially if you have limited space, such as a balcony or small terrace. In these cases, vertical composters are the best option.

Make sure the model you choose has a good ventilation system to prevent unpleasant odors. Making compost easily and conveniently also means avoiding these types of problems.

If you prefer a more economical solution, you can also create your own homemade composter using recycled materials, such as drums or wooden boxes.

Basic steps for making compost at home

You'll find that the composting process is simpler than you think, even simpler if you follow these key steps. The most important factor is maintaining a balance between green and brown materials and ensuring proper oxygenation.

• Choose a suitable location : Place your compost bin in a well-ventilated area, protected from rain and easily accessible.
• Prepare the waste : cut the organic remains into small pieces to facilitate decomposition.
• Add layers : Alternate green (wet) and brown (dry) materials to maintain balance.
• Control the moisture : The mixture should be moist, but not soggy. If it's dry, add water; if it's too wet, stir in more brown material.
• Mix regularly : Aerate the compost once a week to prevent compaction and speed up the process.

Compost care and maintenance

Learning how to make compost and maintaining it properly will be the magic that will turn it into fertilizer in just a few weeks. When the compost has a smooth texture, a dark color, and an earthy smell, it's ready to use.

To ensure success, pay attention to these aspects:

• Oxygenation : Mix the compost regularly to keep it aerated.
• Material balance : If you notice unpleasant odors, there is probably too much green material; correct this by adding more brown material.
• Pest control : Make sure the compost bin is tightly closed to avoid attracting insects or rodents.

How to make compost in small spaces

Composting isn't just for those with gardens. Even on balconies or terraces, you can efficiently create your own compost. With these options, any urban space can become a sustainable composting site.

Practical options

• Compact composters : these composters Ideal for small apartments, designed to prevent odors and save space.
• Vermicomposting : Uses worms to speed up decomposition in a small box or container.
• Compost bags : a flexible and economical solution for those looking for temporary alternatives.

A comparison between traditional composting and composting in a composter

Both the traditional method and using a compost bin have their advantages. Choosing the best option will depend on your needs and the space available. Keep in mind that if you live in the city, a compost bin is undoubtedly the most practical and efficient option.

Traditional composting

• Advantages : greater capacity, ideal for large quantities of waste.
• Disadvantages : requires more space and manual control.

Composting in a composter

• Advantages : cleaner, faster and suitable for small spaces.
• Disadvantages : limited capacity compared to traditional composting.

How to get started with your composter today

Taking the first step is easier than you think. Here are some tips to help you start composting as soon as possible:

• Get the best compost bin for you and the rest of your gardening equipment : there are many options on the market, adapted to different spaces and budgets.
• Create your own compost bin : Use recycled materials such as plastic drums or wooden boxes.
• Start with the basics : Collect your organic waste and follow the basic steps mentioned.

You've now seen how to make compost easily. With these steps, you'll be on your way to reducing your ecological footprint and contributing to the care of the planet while obtaining quality fertilizer for your plants.