How to Make a Compost Pile: A Complete Beginners Guide

Did you know that instead of throwing away food scraps and yard waste, you can turn them into nutrient-rich compost that helps plants thrive in your garden? Composting is one of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce waste, improve soil health, and lower your environmental footprint. So if you’d like to make your garden healthier and reduce your environmental impact, you should definitely try making a compost pile. And if you don’t know where/how to start, you are just at the right place!

This beginner’s guide to composting will take you through everything you need to know, from what is a compost pile and setting up your pile to maintenance tips and troubleshooting common issues.

So let’s start!

What Is a Compost Pile?

A compost pile is a controlled heap of organic waste materials that decompose over time to create nutrient-rich compost, also known as “black gold” for plants. It is made by layering green (nitrogen-rich) materials, like food scraps, with brown (carbon-rich) materials, like dry leaves and paper. Over time, microorganisms, fungi, and worms break these materials down into a natural fertilizer, enriching the soil and reducing waste.

Why Compost? The Benefits of Composting

Before diving into how to create a compost pile, it’s important to understand why composting is beneficial:

• Reduces landfill waste – Organic materials make up a significant portion of household waste. Composting prevents them from ending up in landfills, where they contribute to methane emissions.
• Improves soil health – Compost adds essential nutrients, enhances soil structure, and promotes beneficial microbial activity.
• Saves money – Instead of buying chemical fertilizers, compost provides a natural, free alternative.
• Reduces the need for chemical fertilizers – Compost naturally enriches soil, reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers that can harm ecosystems.

Now, let’s get started on how to make a compost pile!

Step 1: Choose a Composting Method

There are different ways of making a compost pile, and choosing the right one depends on your space, lifestyle, and main goals:

• Backyard Compost Pile or Bin – Ideal for those with a garden or outdoor space. This is the traditional method of making a compost pile- literally in a pile or a designated compost bin.
• Tumbler Composting – Uses a rotating bin for faster decomposition and easier maintenance. Best for small yards or those who want quick results.
• Vermicomposting – Uses worms to break down organic material. Perfect for indoor composting or small spaces.
• Bokashi Composting – A fermentation-based method that works for all food scraps, including meat and dairy, which are typically not compostable in traditional systems.

For this guide, we’ll focus on the standard backyard compost pile, as it’s the easiest and most common method.

Composting will improve soil health, while saving you money.

Step 2: Select a Composting Location

Choose a dry, shaded spot with good drainage for making a compost pile. If using a bin, place it directly on soil to allow beneficial microbes and worms to enter. Ensure it’s easily accessible for adding materials and turning the pile.

What If You Live in an Apartment?

If you don’t have outdoor space, consider using a compost bin indoors or a vermicomposting system with worms, which can be kept under the sink or in a closet.

Step 3: Know What to Compost (Green vs. Brown Materials)

A healthy compost pile needs a balance of green (nitrogen-rich) and brown (carbon-rich) materials:

✅ Green (Nitrogen-Rich) Materials (Moist and Fresh)

These materials provide moisture and nutrients to help decomposition:

• Fruit and vegetable scraps
• Coffee grounds and tea leaves
• Grass clippings
• Plant trimmings
• Fresh leaves

✅ Brown (Carbon-Rich) Materials (Dry and Fibrous)

These materials provide structure and help air circulate:

• Dry leaves
• Straw or hay
• Shredded cardboard or newspaper (uncoated, no glossy prints)
• Sawdust (from untreated wood)
• Eggshells

❌ What NOT to Compost

Avoid items that attract pests, take too long to break down, or cause odors, such as:

• Meat, fish, or dairy
• Oily or greasy foods
• Diseased plants
• Pet waste
• Plastic, metal, or glass

Maintaining a roughly 2:1 ratio of brown to green materials will keep your compost pile balanced and odor-free.

A healthy compost pile needs a balance of green (nitrogen-rich) and brown (carbon-rich) materials.

Step 4: Build Your Compost Pile

Now that you have your materials, it’s time to start layering your compost pile:

1. Start with a Base Layer – Place coarse brown materials (like twigs or straw) at the bottom to aid drainage.
2. Alternate Layers – Add layers of green and brown materials, keeping a good balance between the two.
3. Moisten the Pile – Compost should be damp, like a wrung-out sponge. If it’s too dry, add water; if too wet, add more brown materials.
4. Turn the Pile – Every 1-2 weeks, mix the pile with a shovel or pitchfork to aerate it and speed up decomposition.

Step 5: Maintaining and Troubleshooting Your Compost

Now you know how to make a compost pile, and that’s great! But maintaining it well it just as important. So here are some green tips!

Signs of a Healthy Compost Pile

✅ Has an earthy smell (not rotten or sour)
✅ Feels warm in the center (decomposition generates heat)
✅ Moist but not soggy

Common Composting Problems and Solutions

Regularly turning and balancing your compost pile helps prevent these issues.

Step 6: When Is Your Compost Ready?

Compost typically takes 2 to 6 months to fully break down, depending on conditions like temperature, material balance, and how often you turn it.

Your compost is ready when:
✔ It looks dark, crumbly, and soil-like
✔ It has an earthy smell
✔ No recognizable food scraps remain

Once ready, use it in your garden, potted plants, or flower beds to enrich the soil naturally!

Chopping or shredding the materials before adding them will provide faster results!

Bonus: Composting Tips for Faster Results

Finally, here are some additional tips for faster results in making a compost pile:

• Chop or shred materials before adding them (smaller pieces break down faster).
• Turn the pile more frequently (every week instead of every two weeks) to speed up decomposition.
• Cover your pile with a tarp if rain makes it too wet.
• In cold climates, insulate your pile with leaves or straw to maintain warmth in winter.

Don’t Wait, Start Composting Today!

Making a compost pile is an easy and rewarding way to reduce waste and create nutrient-rich soil for your sustainable garden. By following these simple steps—choosing a method, layering materials properly, and maintaining the right balance—you’ll have a thriving compost system in no time.

No matter the size of your space, there’s a composting solution for you. Whether it’s a backyard pile, a small bin, or vermicomposting indoors, every bit of composting helps the environment.

So why wait? Start composting today and turn your waste into something valuable!