How to make compost at home (the easy way)
Composting is one of the most rewarding and practical skills any gardener can learn. It saves money, reduces waste, and helps to build rich, living soil that plants love.
I’ve been hearing from many gardeners who’ve found composting tricky, so I put together a short video to share the straightforward approach that works for me at home.
Watch the video and read on for more details:
Why composting at home is so worthwhile
There’s something really satisfying about turning your garden waste into something that actually improves your garden. When you compost at home, you’re keeping those valuable resources where they belong — in your own garden.
Sure, you could give your garden waste to the council to be composted, but the problem is, you don’t get it back. By doing it yourself, you take control of the process and end up with compost you can actually use. It adds organic matter, improves soil structure, and feeds all those tiny microorganisms that help your plants thrive.
Over time, you’ll notice your soil holding moisture better, plants growing stronger, and even fewer pest problems. That’s the magic of healthy, living soil.
How to use your compost
Once your compost is ready, I find it works best as a mulch around plants. Spread a 2–5 cm layer over the soil to keep weeds down, lock in moisture, and slowly feed your plants as it continues to break down.
A quick tip: homemade compost isn’t usually ideal for potting or sowing seeds. Its texture and nutrient balance can be a bit unpredictable. But for mulching borders, enriching garden beds, or giving your soil a boost before planting, it’s fantastic.
Do you compost at home?
I’d love to hear about your own experience of composting, so please leave me a comment.
Do you compost at home? Or have you tried in the past? I’m interested to hear if you’ve had success and which problems you’ve encountered on your composting journey.
Happy composting!
Joe
Joe Vary Dip. Hort (Wisley), MCIHort, CMTGG
I'm a gardener, educator, consultant, and planting designer. Learn with me 1-to-1, or join my mentoring group and community.