5 tips to consider when starting your compost pile

Campbell Weyland Headshot
Campbell Weyland

Staff Writer

Jun 23, 2021

If you’ve ever debated composting, but you’re not sure where to start, Lowe’s is here to help. Composting has been around for decades but has recently become more mainstream as consumers are becoming more aware of their environmental impacts. If you are interested in starting a compost pile at your home, here are five tips to consider.

  • Buy a compost bin – Although you can build your own, compost bins often have design specifications that make it easier for you to compost and are great for home gardens. Lowe’s offers a wide variety of composting products that can help you start your pile.
     
  • Start a food collection system – It’s pretty easy to just throw away scraps if you don’t have another place to put the leftovers. Using a Lowe’s bucket is a simple, but effective way to help your household collect food scraps. It may be helpful for you to also place a paper bag in the bucket for easy cleanup.
     
  • Save junk mail – Utilizing materials like grass clippings, leaves and junk mail will help provide the necessary nutrients for your compost pile while also reducing the smell. Make sure any paper you add is shredded to allow for your compost to properly decompose!
     
  • Set up a turning schedule – By mixing up your compost, you are allowing more air to get into the pile. This helps with the decomposition process and creates better compost. A garden fork often makes this an easy task.
     
  • Clear a space in your yard – It may seem like a basic tip, but you will want to create a space to place your compost pile. Ideally, it will be placed on bare ground or soil to not ruin your grass.
     

Compost_Full.jpg

For more information on how to compost, check out the Make Your Own Compost guide on Lowes.com.