If there’s one thing every garden needs, it’s compost and the good news is, you can make it yourself for free.

At Wild Roots Gardening, we see compost as the beating heart of a healthy garden. It feeds your soil, boosts plant health, cuts down on waste, and helps you grow more with less.

Even better? It’s easier than you might think.

What is compost?

Compost is decomposed organic matter a rich, crumbly mix of food scraps, garden cuttings, leaves, and more. When done right, it turns everyday waste into a powerhouse of nutrients your plants will love.

Think of it as nature’s way of recycling.

Why make your own compost?

Free fertiliser – no need for chemical feeds.

Cuts waste – up to 40% of the average bin is compostable.

Improves soil health – better structure, moisture, and microbial life.

Great for wildlife – compost heaps attract worms, beetles, frogs, and more.

What you can compost

You’ll need a good mix of greens (wet, nitrogen-rich materials) and browns (dry, carbon-rich materials).

✅ Greens (nitrogen)

Fruit and veg scraps

Coffee grounds and tea bags (check for plastic-free bags!)

Grass clippings

Plant trimmings

Fresh leaves

✅ Browns (carbon)

Cardboard and paper (shredded is best)

Dry leaves

Straw or hay

Egg boxes

Woody stems and twigs (chopped small)

What to avoid

❌ No-go items:

Cooked food, meat, dairy (they attract pests)

Glossy magazines or plastic-lined paper

Pet poo or nappies

Weeds with seeds (unless your compost gets really hot)

Diseased plant material

How to start composting

1. Choose a bin or pile

You can buy a compost bin, build your own from pallets, or simply start a heap in a tucked-away corner. Make sure it’s on bare soil if possible this helps worms and microbes move in.

2. Layer your materials

Aim for a balance of greens and browns. Too many greens and it goes soggy; too many browns and it won’t break down.

3. Keep it damp (but not soaking)

A good compost heap should feel like a wrung-out sponge. If it’s too dry, add water. If it’s too wet, mix in more browns.

4. Turn it occasionally

Every couple of weeks, give your heap a mix. This adds air and speeds things up. If you’re using a no-turn method, that’s fine too it’ll just take a bit longer.

How long does it take?

Anywhere from 2–12 months, depending on how often you turn it, what you put in, and the weather. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s dark, crumbly, and smells earthy.

Use it to mulch beds, top up your no-dig garden, feed hungry plants, or mix into seed compost.

No space? Try these:

Worm bins (vermicomposting) great for patios and flats.

Bokashi bins – deal with cooked food too.

Trench composting – dig a hole, fill with scraps, and cover with soil.

Making compost is one of the simplest and most powerful things you can do as a gardener. So start small, experiment, and watch your waste turn into garden gold.