Starting a compost pile this spring?
You’re not alone—and you’re in the right place.
Composting is one of the easiest ways to improve your garden naturally. But if you’ve ever stood over your kitchen scraps wondering “Can I compost this?”… you’re not alone there either.
This guide will walk you through exactly what you can (and can’t) compost—so you can build a healthy pile that actually breaks down into rich, usable soil.
Why Composting Matters (Especially in Spring)
Spring is the perfect time to start composting.
As your garden comes back to life, compost helps:
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Add nutrients to your soil
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Improve moisture retention
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Support stronger, healthier plants
But here’s the key:
Your compost pile is only as good as what you put into it.
The Basics: Greens vs. Browns
Before we get into specifics, you need to understand the foundation of composting:
Greens (Nitrogen-Rich)
These materials feed the microbes that break everything down.
Examples:
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Fruit and vegetable scraps
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Coffee grounds
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Fresh grass clippings
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Plant trimmings
Browns (Carbon-Rich)
These provide structure and help prevent odors.
Examples:
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Dry leaves
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Cardboard
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Paper (non-glossy)
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Straw or small twigs
The Goal: Balance
A healthy compost pile needs both.
Too many greens? It gets smelly and wet
Too many browns? It breaks down too slowly
A simple rule: aim for about 2–3 parts browns to 1 part greens
What You CAN Compost
Here’s a simple breakdown of compost-friendly materials:
From Your Kitchen
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Fruit and vegetable scraps
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Eggshells
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Coffee grounds and filters
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Tea bags (non-plastic)
From Your Yard
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Grass clippings
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Dry leaves
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Garden plant trimmings
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Small sticks
From Around the House
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Shredded cardboard
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Newspaper (black and white ink)
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Paper towels (if not soaked in chemicals)
What You Should NOT Compost
Some items can attract pests, create odors, or slow down the process.
Avoid adding:
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Meat or fish
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Dairy products
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Oily or greasy foods
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Pet waste
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Diseased plants
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Weeds with seeds
These can throw off your compost balance and cause more problems than they’re worth.
Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid
If your compost isn’t working, it’s usually one of these:
1. Not Enough Airflow
Compost needs oxygen. If it’s compacted, it will slow down—or smell.
2. Poor Balance of Materials
Too many greens or browns can stall your pile.
3. Letting It Dry Out
Microbes need moisture to do their job.
4. Expecting It to Work Instantly
Composting takes time—but the right setup makes a big difference.
— If your compost pile isn’t breaking down like it should, don’t worry—it’s a common issue. Here’s how to fix it → why your compost isn’t breaking down
How to Make Compost Break Down Faster
Once you’ve got the basics down, there are a few simple ways to speed things up:
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Turn your pile regularly
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Chop materials into smaller pieces
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Keep moisture consistent
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Add a mix of greens and browns
And if you want to take it a step further…
You can use a compost accelerator to help jumpstart microbial activity—especially in early spring when piles are slow to wake up after winter.
A Simple Way to Get Better Results (Without Guessing)
Many beginners do everything right—but still end up waiting months for usable compost.
That’s because composting depends on active microbes, and sometimes your pile just doesn’t have enough of them.
Adding a product like Compost+ helps:
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Introduce beneficial bacteria
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Speed up decomposition
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Turn your pile into usable compost faster
It’s not required—but it does make composting easier and more consistent, especially if you’re just getting started.
Final Thoughts: Start Simple
Composting doesn’t have to be complicated.
If you remember just a few things, you’ll be ahead of most beginners:
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Balance greens and browns
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Keep it moist (not soaked)
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Give it airflow
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Be patient—or speed things up with the right support
Start small, stay consistent, and by the time planting season is in full swing, you’ll be well on your way to creating rich, healthy soil right at home.
