Composting for Beginners: Where to Start

So you want to start composting? Congrats! Now what? Composting for beginners starts with considering your options before you get started. Most importantly, think about the space you have and the volume of waste you want to compost. Understanding these factors will guide you in choosing the best method for how to compost effectively in your specific situation.

Whether you have a spacious backyard with multiple composting options, or you live in an apartment with only a balcony, anyone can learn how to compost! I currently have a suburban home with plenty of space for composting. However, when I lived in a small apartment in London, all I had was a balcony.

During that time, I discovered Bokashi composting and fell in love with it (You might have guessed this once you see how many articles I have on the site dedicated to this method!)

This how to compost guide is designed to point you in the right direction so you can get started in learning how to compost at home. From choosing the right composting method to understanding what can and cannot be composted, you’ll find everything you need to know in the various compost articles here on my vegetable gardening blog. Then you can get down to the fun part — creating rich, nutritious compost!

Don’t have a compost bin yet or not sure where to begin? Let’s look at some of the resources that can help you get started:

The first place to start is my Composting 101 article on how to make the best compost at home. Following this, let’s look at where to find the best resources on how to compost at home for beginners:

How to Compost at Home for Beginners

• How to Make the Best Compost for Growing Vegetables
• Top 6 Considerations When Choosing a Composter
• Deciding Where to Place Your Compost Bin – 11 Factors to Ensure Success!
• Different Types of Composting: Is Aerobic or Anaerobic Composting Better?
• Composting Facts: 10 Benefits of Composting You Might Not Know

If you think you won’t have time to create enough compost for this season’s garden, then take a look at the Best Compost to Buy for a Vegetable Garden.

Composting in an Apartment (or Indoors)

Composting in an apartment or indoors is a practical and eco-friendly way to recycle organic waste, proving that even with limited space, it’s still possible to compost. Two effective methods for indoor composting are worm farms and Bokashi composting. 

Worm farms use worms to break down food scraps into nutrient-rich compost, while Bokashi composting utilises effective microbes to ferment food waste, making it suitable for all kinds of organic materials, including meat and dairy. 

Both methods are compact, odour-free, and perfect for apartment or urban living.

Another high-tech option for those with limited space is a compost grinder machine, which quickly reduces kitchen waste into small, compostable pieces, making the composting process faster and more efficient.

Worm Composting:

Worm composting, or vermiculture, is an efficient and space-saving way to convert kitchen scraps into rich compost using worms. Here’s what you need to know to get started:

•  Ultimate Guide to Worm Farming for Beginners: How to Start a Worm Farm
•  Best Worm Composters of 2024: Who Takes First Place?
•  Discover the Best Worms for Composting + Find Out Where to Buy
•  How to Make a DIY Worm Bin & the Best Way to Harvest Castings

Bokashi Composting:

Bokashi composting is a unique and efficient way to recycle food waste, including meat and dairy, through fermentation. Start here: Bokashi vs Compost: 7 Reasons That Will Make You Want to Convert then read the following guides to learn more about how to get started:

•  Best Bokashi Bin Review + Personal Tips
•  4 Bokashi Bran Uses You Didn’t Know + Make Your Own Bokashi Bran
•  Your Handy Guide to What Can Go in a Bokashi Bin vs What Not to Put in Bokashi

Once you have a full Bokashi bin, here’s how to use the compost in your pots or garden:

•  Bokashi Compost Tea: How to Use this Incredible Fertilizer!
•  5 Ideas on How to Use Bokashi in the Garden

Getting Started with Composting for Beginners

Here at The Potager Project, I’m on a mission to encourage everyone to ‘start somewhere’ when it comes to growing your own food and making your own compost at home.

Whether you live in suburbia with a spacious backyard or in an apartment with limited space, there is a composting method for everyone! The key is to start with what you are comfortable with and gradually expand your efforts as you gain more confidence and experience.

Starting your composting journey will not only significantly reduce your household waste, but also enrich your gardening efforts, providing nutrient-rich soil for your plants (at a fraction of the price of purchasing it from the garden center). Remember, composting is a learning process, and it’s perfectly fine to start small and grow as you gain more confidence and experience.

Need 1:1 Support?

I encourage you to use The Potager Project as the ultimate free resource in helping you get started with composting. Utilise the search box on the top right corner of my website for questions on composting for beginners, as I might have an answer for you! 

If you don’t find an answer, I invite you to join our beginner’s gardening forum, a welcoming community where you can share your experiences, ask questions, and connect with fellow beginner gardeners. We would love to have you join our community of passionate gardeners and share your composting journey with us.

Now to Get Started!

Composting for beginners is an accessible and rewarding practice that anyone can embrace. With our comprehensive articles on how to compost, you’ll find all the information you need to start turning your kitchen scraps into valuable compost, no matter where you live!

Happy composting!