Composting – How to Start and What to Compost

Composting – Complete Guide for Beginners

Composting is among the most effective ways to turn organic waste into quality, nutrient-rich substrate for your garden and houseplants. Instead of ending up in a landfill, kitchen and garden waste transforms into so-called "black gold" – dark, crumbly humus that improves soil structure, supports soil microorganism life, and provides plants with natural nutrition. In this guide, you'll learn how to start composting, what belongs in compost, and how to optimize the entire process.

Why Start Composting?

Composting brings practical benefits that every grower will appreciate – from gardeners to indoor growing enthusiasts.

Cost Savings – Quality homemade compost significantly reduces the need to buy substrates and fertilizers. The raw material it's made from is completely free.

Improved Soil Quality – Mature compost provides plants with a balanced spectrum of nutrients in naturally available form. It also improves soil's ability to retain water and aeration in the root zone.

Waste Reduction – Up to 30–40% of average household waste consists of organic material suitable for composting. Less waste in the bin means a lower ecological footprint and preserved landfill capacity.

Universal Use – Composting works both in gardens and in apartments. Growers with indoor growing systems can easily integrate homemade compost into their substrate and reduce dependence on synthetic products.

Owners of grow boxes thus gain a natural substrate base without unnecessary chemicals, which supports a healthy root system for plants.

Types of Composters – How to Choose the Right One

Your choice of composter depends on available space, amount of waste, and desired process speed. A complete range of composters can be found in our offering.

Classic Garden Composter

A plastic or wooden box with a lid and ventilation holes represents the most accessible entry into the composting world. Standard sizes of 60–120 cm allow placement even on a smaller garden or balcony.

Advantages: Low purchase price, minimal maintenance requirements, compost ready in 3–6 months
Disadvantages: Requires outdoor space, slower than alternative methods

Vermicomposter (Worm Composter)

A vermicomposter uses composting worms of the Eisenia foetida species, which convert organic waste into exceptionally quality compost in 2–3 months. A byproduct is so-called worm tea – a nutrient-rich liquid extract suitable as fertilizer when diluted 1:10.

Advantages: Suitable for apartments and balconies, fast process, virtually odorless, produces liquid fertilizer
Disadvantages: Higher purchase price, worms require stable conditions (temperature, humidity)

Bokashi Composter

Bokashi operates on the principle of anaerobic fermentation – organic material is layered with special inoculum containing effective microorganisms. A major advantage is that it processes kitchen waste including meat, fish, or dairy products.

Advantages: Very fast fermentation, virtually odorless, processes animal waste
Disadvantages: Requires continuous bokashi inoculum replenishment, fermented material must cure for another 2–3 months directly in soil

What Can You Compost? Complete List

The correct ratio of materials is the foundation of functional compost. We distinguish two types of materials based on their content of main elements.

GREEN WASTE (Nitrogen Sources)

• Fruit and vegetable scraps
• Freshly mowed grass (add in thin layers to prevent clumping)
• Kitchen waste of plant origin
• Coffee grounds and tea bags (plastic inserts only)
• Remnants of fresh flowers and herbs
• Weeds without mature seeds

BROWN WASTE (Carbon Sources)

• Dried leaves
• Sawdust and shavings from untreated wood
• Chopped twigs and wood chips
• Uncoated paper packaging and cardboard
• Straw and hay
• Eggshells (neutralize acidity, decompose slowly)

WHAT DOES NOT BELONG IN COMPOST

• Meat, fish, and bones
• Dairy products and fats
• Diseased plants affected by fungi or fungal diseases
• Plants treated with persistent herbicides or pesticides
• Plastics, metals, and synthetic materials
• Coal ash (wood ash can be added in small amounts)
• Droppings from carnivores (cats, dogs)

For growers of CBD and other plants in indoor growing systems, the rule is: compost only healthy plant waste that has not been treated with chemical products.

How to Compost Correctly – Step by Step

Step 1: Location Selection and Composter Preparation

Place your composter on level ground in partial shade, ideally in direct contact with soil – this facilitates access for earthworms and beneficial microorganisms from the soil. An ideal area is around 1–2 m². Avoid locations with full sun all day, where compost would dry out.

Step 2: Correct Material Layering

The golden rule of composting: alternate green and brown waste in a ratio of approximately 1:2 to 1:3 (one part green to two or three parts brown).

1. Bottom Layer (10–15 cm) – Coarser woody materials, twigs, and chips ensure air circulation at the base
2. Alternating Layers – Layer green waste with brown material; lightly moisten each layer
3. Top Layer – Cover with brown waste, which reduces odor and prevents insect access

Step 3: Moisture and Ventilation Management

Optimally moist compost resembles a squeezed sponge – only a few drops should drip out when compressed. If too dry, water evenly. If it smells and rots, add dry brown material and turn the compost. Regular turning (every 2–4 weeks) significantly speeds up decomposition and prevents anaerobic processes.

Step 4: Curing and Harvest

Approximate curing times by type:
- Classic composter: 3–6 months (process nearly stops in winter)
- Vermicomposter: 2–3 months
- Bokashi: 1–2 months fermentation + 2–3 months curing in soil

You'll recognize mature compost by its dark brown to black color, pleasant forest soil smell, and fine crumbly structure. Original components should be completely unrecognizable.

Practical Tips for Effective Composting

Using Finished Compost

Mature compost is a versatile material with wide application.

For Outdoor Garden – Work compost into soil before planting to a depth of 10–15 cm or use as mulch around plants, where it gradually enriches soil and retains moisture.

For Houseplants – Mix homemade compost into substrate in a 20–30% ratio. A higher proportion can cause over-fertilization or poor drainage.

For Indoor Growing – Combine with structural substrate components like perlite or coconut fiber. Compost improves nutrient retention and microbial activity in the medium.

For Grow Boxes – Homemade compost combined with targeted nutrition creates a biologically active environment favorable for even growth and plant stress resistance.

For LED Cultivation – Healthy compost substrate reduces root disease risk and supports efficient nutrient uptake, which directly translates to yields under intensive lighting.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Time Does Composting Take?

It depends on the system chosen and the season. A classic composter needs 3–6 months in warm periods; in winter, the process slows significantly or stops. A vermicomposter produces finished compost in 2–3 months. Bokashi ferments waste in 1–2 months, but the resulting material still cures for 2–3 months when worked into soil.

Can I Compost in an Apartment?

Yes. Vermicomposters and bokashi composters are designed specifically for indoor use – they don't smell and their volume is easily adjustable to available space. Place a vermicomposter on a balcony or under the kitchen sink. Growers with indoor growing systems will appreciate that they can compost directly from their own plant waste.

Do I Need a Starter Culture for Composting?

Classic compost starts on its own thanks to microorganisms present in soil and added material. A vermicomposter requires composting worms (Eisenia foetida), which can be purchased online or from breeders. A bokashi system only works with active bokashi inoculum, which contains specific strains of effective microorganisms.

How Do I Know When Compost Is Finished?

Mature compost is dark brown to black, smells pleasantly of forest soil, and crumbles easily in your hand. None of the input materials should be recognizable. If you see shell pieces, twigs, or seeds, let compost cure for another 4–6 weeks or sieve out problematic parts.

Can I Compost CBD Plant Waste or Coffee Grounds?

Yes. Healthy plant waste from CBD plants without pesticides can be composted without concern. Coffee grounds are also an excellent nitrogen source and slightly acidify compost – suitable especially for plants preferring more acidic conditions. Add tea bags only without plastic or nylon sleeves.

Conclusion

Composting is an accessible and effective method that transforms everyday waste into valuable material for growing. Whether you grow in a garden, apartment, or indoor growing system, there's a composting solution exactly for your conditions. Homemade compost costs significantly less than commercial substrates, and your plants benefit long-term from natural nutrition.

Start by selecting a composter from our range, make a list of suitable materials, and begin transforming waste into a living foundation for your harvest.

Do you have questions about choosing a composter or need advice on selecting a substrate? Our team of specialists at pestik.cz is ready to help.