Gardeners across the country dream of one thing—rich, crumbly, nutrient-packed compost. While you can buy it, making your own saves money, reduces waste, and improves your soil naturally.
Almost half of the food waste in the average rubbish bin could be composted instead of being sent to landfill. That’s free organic matter going to waste. With the right mix of ingredients, a bit of patience, and a simple compost bin, you can create your own "black gold" to fuel your garden year after year.
What Can Be Composted?
There’s more that can go into a compost bin than you might think. Alongside vegetable peelings, grass clippings, and teabags, you can compost eggshells, shredded paper, and even the contents of your vacuum cleaner.
The key to successful composting is the balance between green materials (nitrogen-rich) and brown materials (carbon-rich). Aim for either:
Equal parts green and brown
Two parts green to one part brown
There’s no need to be exact—simply adjust if your compost isn’t breaking down well enough.
Green Materials (Nitrogen-Rich, Quick to Decompose)
Green materials are fresh, moist, and rich in nitrogen. They break down quickly and keep the compost pile active. These include:
Grass clippings
Coffee grounds and tea bags
Vegetable and fruit scraps
Trimmings from perennial and annual plants
Cut flowers
Young annual weeds (before they set seed)
Eggshells
Animal manure (cow, horse, sheep, chicken, rabbit – but never cat or dog waste)
Seaweed
Fresh leaves
Brown Materials (Carbon-Rich, Adds Structure)
Brown materials are dry, woody, and break down more slowly. They help maintain compost structure and prevent it from becoming too wet. These include:
Autumn leaves
Twigs, chipped branches, and bark
Hedge and woody trimmings
Straw and hay
Sawdust
Shredded uncoated paper, cardboard, egg boxes, and toilet roll tubes
Cotton fabric
Vacuum cleaner contents
What Should Not Be Composted?
Not everything belongs in the compost bin. Avoid adding:
Nappies, glass, plastic, or metal
Cooked food
Diseased plants
Raw meat and fish (including bones)
Cat or dog waste
Dairy products
Bread and bakery products
Coal or coke ash
These materials can attract pests, introduce disease, or take too long to break down.
Making Great Compost
1. Choose the Right SiteYour compost bin should be easy to access for adding materials and turning the pile. Ideally, place it on bare soil in a reasonably sunny spot to help speed up decomposition.
2. Build or Buy a Compost BinA simple compost bin can be made from pallets, chicken wire, and wooden posts, or you can buy a ready-made wooden or plastic version.
3. Layer Your IngredientsAdd a mix of green and brown materials, stirring them together to encourage even decomposition. Compost piles shrink over time, so don’t be afraid to fill it up generously.
4. Keep It MoistThe compost should be moist but not waterlogged. If it gets too dry, sprinkle it with water. If it’s too wet, add more brown materials to absorb excess moisture.
5. Let It Break DownWith the right balance, your compost will heat up and decompose over several months. In around 12 months, it will transform into dark, crumbly compost, ready to feed your garden.
Why Make Your Own Compost?
Improves soil health – Adds nutrients and improves soil structure
Reduces waste – Cuts down on landfill and household rubbish
Saves money – Free compost instead of buying bags of it
Encourages healthier plants – Provides slow-release nutrients for stronger growth
Making great compost is simple, sustainable, and incredibly rewarding. With just a little effort, you can turn garden and kitchen waste into a powerful, organic soil booster—completely free.
Ready to start composting? Whether you build a simple heap or invest in a bin, your garden (and the planet) will thank you for it.
Want to make your compost Quicker? Check out our Quick Composting guide
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