Composting Methods
June 9, 2015
Composting doesn't have to be complicated. With the right approach, you can turn kitchen scraps, paper, and even materials most gardeners avoid — like meat and bones — into rich, fertile compost. The key is knowing which methods suit your space and lifestyle.
Compost Everything: The Good Guide to Extreme Composting
David The Good's book Compost Everything makes composting easier than ever. It covers how to compost meat, how to garden on top of compost piles, how to make fish emulsion, and much more. Available in paperback and Kindle editions.
Key Composting Techniques
Fast Urban Composting
Using coffee grounds and newspaper, you can produce usable compost in a matter of weeks — perfect for small yards, balconies, and city lots where space is limited.
Composting Meat, Paper & Bones
Contrary to common advice, meat scraps, bones, and even paper can be composted safely when managed correctly. Deep burial and hot-compost methods break these materials down without attracting pests.
Fish Emulsion
Homemade fish emulsion provides a nitrogen-rich liquid fertilizer. It's simple to make and gives garden plants a powerful nutrient boost during the growing season.
Gardening on Compost Piles
Why wait? Plant directly into a compost pile while it's still breaking down. Squash, melons, and other heavy feeders thrive on the warmth and nutrients of an active pile.
Getting Started
Begin with what you have. Collect kitchen scraps, fallen leaves, coffee grounds from local cafés, and shredded newspaper. Layer browns and greens, keep the pile moist but not soggy, and turn it occasionally. Even a simple heap will break down into dark, crumbly compost with a little patience.
For those ready to go further, extreme composting opens up new possibilities — turning waste streams that would otherwise go to landfill into productive garden soil.
Composting is one of the most rewarding practices for any homesteader, turning what would otherwise be waste into a valuable resource that enriches the soil and supports healthy plant growth. Whether you have a small urban lot or a sprawling rural property, there is a composting method that fits your space and lifestyle. From simple pile systems to more structured bins, the process relies on balancing green materials with brown ones, providing the right moisture and aeration, and allowing nature's microorganisms to do the work. The result is dark, crumbly compost that improves soil structure, retains moisture, and feeds your garden without the need for synthetic fertilizers. It is a cornerstone of sustainable living.