Skip to main content

Composting in Small Spaces

Composting is nature's recycling program, turning kitchen scraps and yard waste into valuable, nutrient-rich soil conditioner. You don't need a large garden to make your own compost; even a small balcony or patio can be home to a compact composting system.

A small, neat composting bin on a balcony next to some potted plants.

The Two Types of Materials: Greens and Browns​

A healthy compost pile needs a balance of two types of materials:

  • Greens (Nitrogen-rich): These are wet, fresh materials that provide nitrogen. Think of things like fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and fresh grass clippings.
  • Browns (Carbon-rich): These are dry, woody materials that provide carbon and create air pockets. Examples include torn-up cardboard, shredded newspaper, dried leaves, and small twigs.

Choosing Your Composter​

For small spaces, a contained system is best to keep things neat and odor-free.

  • Tumbler Composter: These are sealed drums that you can turn with a handle. They are excellent for keeping pests out and speeding up the composting process.
  • Worm Bin (Vermicomposting): This is a fantastic indoor or balcony option. Special red wiggler worms do the work, breaking down food scraps into incredibly rich worm castings (a super-powered fertilizer).
  • DIY Bucket Composter: You can make your own simple composter by drilling aeration holes in a large bucket with a tight-fitting lid.

How to Get Started​

  1. Find a Spot: Choose a spot for your composter that is level and has good air circulation. A shady spot is often best to prevent it from drying out too quickly.
  2. Start with Browns: Begin your pile with a thick layer of "browns" at the bottom. This helps with aeration and drainage.
  3. Layer Greens and Browns: Add your kitchen scraps (greens) and cover them with a layer of browns. A good rule of thumb is to aim for roughly two to three parts browns for every one part greens.
  4. Keep it Moist: Your compost pile should be about as damp as a wrung-out sponge. If it's too dry, add a little water. If it's too wet, add more browns.
  5. Turn it: If you have a tumbler, give it a few spins every week. If you have a bucket, stir the contents with a small trowel. This mixes everything together and adds oxygen, which speeds up decomposition.

What NOT to Compost​

To avoid bad smells and pests, do not add:

  • Meat, fish, or bones
  • Dairy products or grease
  • Diseased plants

With a little attention, your composter will soon be producing "black gold" that you can use to feed your container plants and make your urban garden thrive.