How to Make a Compost Heap

Jackson — Tue, 03 Jul 2018 21:58:29 +0000

If you are an avid gardener, you probably want to compost to provide your garden with plenty of nutrients. Knowing how to build a compost heap or use a compost bin is important.
For anyone who just wants to improve their current compost heap or start one, here is a list of what you need to do to prepare your compost.
First of all, you will want to make sure you get a decent compost bin. They are easy to use and much easier to manage than a heap of material in your yard.

VIVOSUN Outdoor Tumbling Composter

$76.99

Two separate chambers allow one side to finish composting while leaving the other side available to add fresh wastes; Constant alternation of the two sides will create an uninterrupted stream of nutritious compost.

Buy Now

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

04/23/2026 06:45 am GMT

Lots of Different Garden Composters Available

There are plenty of different kinds on the market, and you will find many reviewed here on Best Garden Composters.
After deciding that you want to start composting, you will need to pick the perfect area in your yard to start a compost heap or add a compost bin.
You will need a level, well-drained area to ensure any excess water drains away from the site.

A lot of people decide to let the worms do all the hard work and get a worm composting bin.
Worms love a moist environment and will eat whatever waste material they add to the compost heap or bin.
The material they eat is converted into liquid feed and compost.
We recommend The Original Vermihut Worm Composting Bin for getting the job done by using all your recycled kitchen scraps, paper waste, and cardboard.
It is considered a more efficient way to compost than a traditional compost heap.
Evidently, worm compost makes ten times the nutrients of other types of composters.

The Original Vermihut Worm Composter

$79.00

The advanced version of the worm compost bin comes with standard 5 trays; additional trays can be added. A new component, named M-board, is designed to increase airflow for better compost efficiency and to save worms.

Buy Now

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

04/23/2026 06:47 am GMT

What to Use in a Compost Heap or Bin

In order to get good compost, you will need to add the right materials to your compost heap or bin. The best materials to add include vegetable peelings, fruit waste, tea bags, plant material, and grass cuttings.
These types of materials will break down fairly fast and provide nitrogen and moisture to the compost.
It is also a good idea to include other materials, such as cardboard egg boxes, crumpled-up paper, and fallen leaves.

How a Compost Heap Works

These materials will rot more slowly but provide vital fiber and carbon, and will allow for air to circulate throughout the mixture.
Crushed eggshells can also be added for minerals.
There are some items that should not be added to a compost heap or bin.
These include meat and dairy products.
Also, don’t add any diseased plants or droppings from your dog or cat.
You also don’t want to put baby diapers into a compost heap.
First of all, any of these items will end up smelling pretty bad and could attract unwanted pests, such as bugs and rodents, into the compost.
You also don’t want to add weeds such as dandelions or seed heads from your plants and flowers.
Plastic, glass, and metal are also unsuitable for composting and must be recycled.

What to Add to Your Compost Heap

Get it right! Getting good compost means getting the mix right. Browns and greens need to be properly balanced.

Greens include grass clippings, coffee grounds/tea bags, vegetable and fruit scraps, and trimmings from perennial and annual plants.
Browns include leaves, straw, hay, and sawdust, and are high in carbon, a good source of energy for compost microbes.

You also need to make sure that your compost heap or bin gets enough air. This is important so that the material composts rather than just rotting.
Adding crumpled-up paper and cardboard is a simple but effective way to create air pockets. You can also add air to the material by turning or mixing the contents.
One way to ensure your compost has the correct enzymes to do the job is to add a compost activator to the mixture. The activator helps turn your waste into dark, rich, and great compost in less than half the time.
All you need to do is add it to the compost heap or bin. In a matter of weeks, your compost will be ready to spread in your garden. A compost activator can also revive a compost heap or bin that isn’t doing well.

How to Get the Best Out of Your Compost

You will know when your compost is ready because you will have a dark brown soil-like layer at the bottom of your compost heap or bin. It will have a spongy type of texture and will be full of nutrients.
Now all you need to do is spread the compost over your flower and garden beds to improve the soil quality. This compost will help retain moisture and suppress those pesky weeds.
As well, good compost will reduce the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

Look at all The Great Composters!