Composting is one of the best eco-friendly gardening practices that turns your kitchen and garden waste into nutrient-rich compost — often called “black gold” for plants. Instead of throwing organic waste in the trash, you can recycle it naturally to improve soil fertility and grow healthier plants at home.
Whether you have a backyard garden or just a few pots on your balcony, making compost at home is simple, cost-effective, and 100% organic.
Why Composting Is Important
- Reduces kitchen waste and helps in waste management.
- Produces organic fertilizer full of nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
- Improves soil structure, making it loose, airy, and moisture-retentive.
- Encourages the growth of beneficial microbes essential for plant health.
- Cuts down dependency on chemical fertilizers.
Materials You Can & Cannot Use for Compost
Here’s a quick guide to what’s safe for composting and what should be avoided:
| Can Be Used for Compost (Green & Brown Waste) | Should NOT Be Used for Compost |
| Fruit & vegetable peels | Meat, fish, and dairy products |
| Tea leaves & used tea bags | Oily or greasy food waste |
| Coffee grounds & coffee filters | Diseased plants |
| Eggshells (crushed) | Pet waste (dog, cat feces) |
| Dry leaves & small branches | Synthetic chemicals or pesticides |
| Grass clippings | Plastic, glass, or metal |
| Shredded newspaper & cardboard | Citrus in excess (slows composting) |
| Garden trimmings | Large bones |
Tip: For fast composting, maintain a balance of green waste (rich in nitrogen) and brown waste (rich in carbon).
Step-by-Step: Two-Bucket Composting Method
If you live in a small home or apartment, a two-bucket composting method is the most convenient and odor-free option.
You’ll Need:
- Two plastic buckets (20–30 liters each)
- A lid for each bucket
- A drill (to make holes for aeration)
- Dry leaves or shredded newspaper
- Kitchen waste
How to Make Compost Using Two Buckets:
Step 1: Prepare the Buckets
- Drill 5–6 small holes at the bottom and sides of each bucket for aeration.
- Place a tray under the bucket to collect liquid compost (“compost tea”), which can be used as a fertilizer.
Step 2: Layer the Materials
- First, add a thin layer of dry leaves or shredded newspaper at the bottom.
- Add kitchen waste like fruit peels, veggie scraps, and coffee grounds.
- Cover every layer of wet waste with dry material (leaves, cardboard, or newspaper) to avoid foul smell.
Step 3: Switch Buckets
- When the first bucket is full, start filling the second bucket.
- By the time the second bucket is full, the first bucket’s waste will have turned into compost.
How Long Does Compost Take to Be Ready?
- On average, composting takes 6 to 8 weeks in warm climates like Pakistan.
- In colder months, it can take 3–4 months.
- Smaller pieces of waste compost faster, so chop large peels before adding.
Sunlight vs. Shade — Where to Keep the Buckets?
- Do not place compost buckets under direct sunlight for long hours, as it dries out microbes and slows decomposition.
- Keep them in a partially shaded area with moderate warmth for faster composting.
- Ensure proper ventilation for odor-free composting.
How to Use Homemade Compost
- Mix 1 part compost with 3 parts garden soil for pots.
- Spread a thin layer of compost around plants as mulch.
- Use compost tea (liquid collected from the bucket) by diluting it 1:5 with water and applying it to plants.
Final Tips for Perfect Compost
- Balance is key: Mix equal amounts of green and brown waste.
- Aerate regularly: Stir the compost every week for faster results.
- Keep it moist but not soggy: Compost should feel like a wrung-out sponge.
- Avoid adding non-biodegradable items and meat-based waste to keep pests away.
Conclusion
Making homemade compost is an easy, eco-friendly, and cost-saving way to recycle kitchen waste and nourish your plants. With just two buckets and a little effort, you can create organic fertilizer at home — helping your garden thrive naturally.
