How to compost: A guide for the novice or pro as spring growing season begins

Spring is here and with it come lawn care and perhaps thoughts of planting a garden.

One of the ways to reduce household waste and help to create a nutrient-rich soil for those gardens, lawns and landscaping is to compost.

By following a few key steps, anyone can turn organic scraps into a valuable resource.

Here is a guide to composting based off of Compost 101 by Steve Tharp Jr., assistant executive director at Stark-Tuscarawas-Wayne Recycling District.

1. How to begin composting and how to avoid the smell

To start composting, choose a location for a pile or use a bin with drainage holes.

Start with a base layer of coarse materials, such as straw or small branches, to aid airflow and drainage. From there, build the pile using a mix of green and brown materials.

• Greens: These nitrogen-rich materials include fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, grass clippings and plant trimmings.

• Browns: These carbon-rich materials include dried leaves, cardboard, sawdust and wood chips.

Maintain a ratio of one part greens to three parts browns. The balance ensures proper decomposition and prevents unpleasant odors.

2. The right mix of moisture and oxygen

A compost pile should remain moist but not saturated. The ideal moisture level is comparable to a wrung-out sponge.

Rainwater may naturally hydrate outdoor piles, but in dry conditions, adding water periodically may be necessary.

Aeration also is crucial.

Turning the pile at least once a week allows oxygen to reach microorganisms that break down organic matter.

Turn the pile with a pitchfork, compost tumbler or by rolling a sealed bin on the ground.

3. Maintaining compost

Regular maintenance is simple. Continue adding kitchen scraps and yard waste, always topping greens with three times as many browns to maintain the balance.

Stirring the compost weekly helps accelerate decomposition and reduces odor.

Adding a small amount of garden soil or aged compost early in the process introduces beneficial microorganisms, speeding up decomposition.

Shredding or cutting materials into small pieces can help break them down faster.

4. Fixing common issues: Dry, wet, slow decomposition

• Dry compost: Add water or green materials to restore moisture.

• Wet or smelly compost: Mix in additional browns such as cardboard or straw and improve aeration by stirring more frequently.

• Slow decomposition: Increase the amount of greens or add an activator, such as garden soil or aged compost, to introduce more microorganisms.

• Rodent or insect problems: Avoid adding meat, dairy or oily foods, and always cover food scraps with a layer of browns.

5. Using finished compost

In Northeast Ohio, composting typically takes about six months. Finished compost will be dark brown, crumbly and have an earthy scent.

It can be used to enrich garden soil, fertilize potted plants, improve lawn health and even as mulch.

For gardens, mix one part compost with two parts soil for planting.

For lawns, spread compost lightly over the grass and rake it in to improve soil health.

Composting not only reduces waste but also promotes sustainable gardening practices.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Composting for beginners: How to start with soil, garden