5 DIY Composting Techniques for Creating Rich, Organic Fertilizer

by Matt Allison on Oct 19, 2023

Composting itself is actually pretty easy, and there are several methods and solutions. Whether you own a full-on farm or live in a tiny apartment, there is no reason you can’t compost.

5 DIY Composting Techniques For Creating Your Own Rich, Organic Fertilizer

In a world obsessed with “greening,” it’s scary to think about how much food we throw away. A friend of mine started a small-scale composting business last year by collecting food scraps from local restaurants and was able to save 111.3 tons of food waste from ending up in the dump and turned it into glorious, nitrogen-rich compost.

If that’s not the motivation to start composting, I don’t know what is!

Composting, at any level, reduces the amount of organic waste in landfills, contributing to waste reduction and decreasing landfill-related environmental issues.

Here are a few of the composting options available, with pros and cons for each, to help you start on the method that will work best for you!

1. Compost Heap

The most straightforward way of composting involves dedicating an area, usually 25 sq. ft or so to being a compost heap, any larger and it makes it pretty difficult to aerate.

You start by adding layers of organic material, usually browns (old leaves, bark, etc) followed by greens (grass cuttings and vegetable scraps) topped by soil.

Continue building the layers until it’s around 4 to 5 ft high, and then turn it every 2-3 days with a fork for the first month, keeping it moist but not wet.

After the first month, taper off until you’re turning once or twice a month. In 3-4 months, you’ll have a soil-ready compost, less if you decide to add a commercially available compost activator.

Pros of Compost Heap Composting

Low Cost

Compost heap composting is inexpensive to set up and maintain. You typically don’t need any special equipment or containers.

Large Capacity

A compost heap can be as large as necessary, suitable for processing significant quantities of organic waste, such as yard trimmings, kitchen scraps, and more.

Simple Setup

Creating a compost heap is easy. All you need is a designated area in your yard, garden, or outdoor space.

Nutrient-Rich Compost

Over time, a well-managed compost heap produces nutrient-rich compost that can improve soil quality, enhance water retention, and promote healthy plant growth.

Natural Decomposition

Compost heap composting relies on the natural process of decomposition by microorganisms and other organisms in the soil. It’s an environmentally friendly way to recycle organic waste.

Minimal Odor (when managed properly)

With proper layering and maintenance, compost heaps usually produce minimal odors. Offensive odors are often a sign of improper composting practices.

Cons of Compost Heap Composting

Longer Processing Time

Compost heaps typically take longer to produce finished compost than other methods, such as hot composting or vermicomposting. It can take several months to a year or more for the compost to mature.

Space Requirement

You need a suitable outdoor space for a compost heap. This may not be practical for individuals with limited yard space or those living in urban environments.

Aesthetics

Some people find compost heaps less visually appealing, as they can appear as a pile of organic waste in the yard or garden.

Not Ideal for All Materials

Compost heaps may not efficiently break down certain materials, such as meat, dairy, and large woody items. These should be excluded from the heap.

Pest Attraction

Without proper management, compost heaps can attract pests like rodents and flies. Proper layering, covering, and turning can help prevent this.

Manual Labor

Compost heap composting requires physical effort to turn and maintain the pile. This may not be suitable for individuals with limited mobility or those who prefer a hands-off approach.

2. Bin Composting

Also known as the “no turn” method. It’s similar to the layered method above, but the idea is you have three bins, you keep adding to the first until it’s full, then move to the next bin. While it’s the most effortless method, it’s also the longest and it can take as long as 3 years to decompose!

Composting bin with three compartments. — Learn more about bin composting, including a tutorial for how to build this bin at Backyard Feast.

Pros of Bin Composting

Controlled Environment

Bins provide a controlled environment for composting. You can better manage factors like moisture, aeration, and temperature, which can lead to more efficient decomposition.

Neat and Tidy

Compost bins help keep your compost pile contained and organized, making it visually appealing and less likely to attract pests.

Space-Efficient

Compost bins are suitable for smaller spaces, including balconies, patios, and small yards. They can be an excellent option for urban or suburban environments.

Faster Decomposition

In a closed bin, the composting process often proceeds more quickly than in an open heap due to the higher temperatures generated inside the bin.

Year-Round Composting

Bins offer the ability to compost year-round, even in colder climates. Insulated or enclosed bins can maintain warmer temperatures during the winter.

Reduced Odors

Properly managed compost bins tend to produce fewer odors compared to open heaps. They help contain and trap odors inside the bin.

Easy to Turn

Some bin designs have mechanisms or features that make it easier to turn the compost, promoting aeration and decomposition.

Cons of Bin Composting

Cost

Purchasing a compost bin can be more expensive than simply using an open pile or heap, although there are a variety of price points available.

Capacity Limitation

Bins have limited capacity, which may not be sufficient for large quantities of organic waste, especially for those with extensive gardens or a lot of kitchen waste.

Initial Setup

Setting up a compost bin may require assembly, and it can be more time-consuming than simply designating a spot for an open compost pile.

Potential Overheating

In some cases, compost bins can get too hot, which can kill off beneficial microorganisms. This can be a concern in very sunny and hot climates.

Maintenance Requirements

While bins offer more control, they also require regular maintenance, including turning, monitoring moisture levels, and ensuring the right carbon-nitrogen balance.

Not Ideal for All Materials

Just like open compost piles, compost bins may not efficiently break down certain materials like meat, dairy, and large woody items. These should be excluded.

3. Trench Composting

Trench composting, also known as “buried composting” and as discussed in our DIY garden beds post, is a way of composting by digging a trench roughly 3-feet deep and filling it with compostable scraps, covering them with alternate layers of soil.

Once completed, leave them for 2-3 months to break down, and then plant your vegetables directly into the bed.

Pros of Trench Composting

In-Ground Composting

Trench composting is an in-ground method, which means it doesn’t require special bins or containers. It blends well with the natural environment and is particularly suitable for those who prefer a low-profile composting approach.

Improved Soil Structure

The organic matter buried in the trench decomposes and enriches the soil, enhancing its structure, moisture retention, and nutrient content. This can lead to healthier plant growth in the area.

Odor Control

Trench composting tends to produce fewer odors compared to other methods, as the waste is buried underground, helping to contain and reduce smells.

Minimal Maintenance

Once the trench is set up, there is minimal ongoing maintenance compared to turning and monitoring required for some other composting methods.

Less Space Required

Trench composting can be done in small garden spaces or in rows, making it a space-efficient method.

Good for Garden Beds

Trench composting can be integrated directly into garden beds to enrich the soil where plants are growing.

Cons of Trench Composting

Slow Decomposition

Trench composting can be slower than other methods, particularly in the beginning, as it relies on natural decomposition processes in the soil.

Requires Digging

Setting up a trench requires digging, which can be labor-intensive and may not be suitable for individuals with limited mobility or those who prefer a no-dig approach to composting.

Limited Capacity

The size of the trench limits the amount of organic waste you can bury at one time. For large volumes of waste, multiple trenches may be necessary.

Inflexible Location

Once you’ve dug a trench, you’re committed to composting in that location. This may not be ideal if you want to change your composting spot in the future.

Not Suitable for All Materials

Trench composting may not efficiently break down certain materials like meat, dairy, and large woody items. These should be excluded.

Deteriorating Aesthetics

The trench may not be visually appealing as it involves a dug-up area in your garden, which some individuals may not find attractive.

4. Worm Composting

Worm Composting and vermicomposting yield nutrient-rich castings and are probably the most fertile soil methods. The downside is that they’re not as scalable as the above methods, but they’re perfect for small gardens and apartment dwellers.

Red wriggler earthworms break down kitchen scraps into castings and nutrient-rich worm tea, which can be used as organic fertilizer.

The downside is that the worms don’t have a large appetite so you can’t feed them a lot of food at once, you should also avoid all types of citrus, meat, or onions when feeding them.

The plus side is that it’s also one of the least odorous methods of composting, which is why it’s become popular with many apartment dwellers who use it to clear off kitchen scraps.

worm composting worms in a gardener's hand.

Pros of Worm Composting

Efficient Decomposition

Worms are highly efficient at quickly breaking down organic matter into nutrient-rich, fine-textured compost.

Small-Scale and Indoor Option

Worm composting can be done on a small scale, making it suitable for apartment dwellers or people with limited outdoor space. It’s often done in bins and can be kept indoors.