The face of the moon was in shadow
Composting is one of the most rewarding aspects of gardening for me. There’s something truly amazing about watching food scraps and yard waste transform into rich, dark compost. If you’re into worm composting, it’s even more fascinating—you can see the process happen right before your eyes. The worms munch through your kitchen scraps and produce some of the best soil amendment around. And yes, I’ll admit it—I get genuinely excited about worm poop!
My compost pile began with simple ingredients: grass clippings, leaves, and veggie scraps. But over time, I’ve discovered that many everyday items can also be composted. Shredded newspapers, old paper towels, pasta, pencil shavings, and even dust bunnies can safely be added to your pile. Plus, by composting these items, you’re keeping them out of the landfill.
If you already compost, I challenge you to inspire one friend to start. And if you’re new to composting, now’s the time—get started! A basic compost pile can be made simply by using inexpensive fencing to create a ring and filling it with your yard debris. Or, if you prefer a more polished look, compost tumblers are a great choice, though they’re often too small for larger needs.
There’s no secret formula for making great compost, but it helps to balance “brown” (dry) materials with “green” (fresh) ones. It’s really that simple. As your compost breaks down, it can be used in garden beds, as a top dressing for lawns, or mixed into container plantings. It’s free, nutrient-rich soil—what could be better?
