Composting might feel like one of those things that’s all high-tech and trendy now, but our parents—and their parents—were doing it long before it was cool. They didn’t need fancy gadgets or specialty bins. They kept it simple, practical, and resourceful, using what they had to make it work. Turns out, a lot of their tricks are just as effective today as they were back then.
If you’ve been overthinking composting, this is your sign to stop. The basics are all you need to turn scraps and yard waste into garden gold. These old-school methods not only work, but they also remind us that sometimes keeping it simple really is the smartest move.
Add Weeds to Your Compost Without Worry
It might feel counterintuitive, but weeds can actually be a great addition to your compost pile. While many avoid tossing them in, they break down just like other materials. Even persistent weeds, like bindweed, can be safely composted without sprouting back. Think of it this way: it’s easier to pull a weed from compost than from your yard.
For best results, focus on annual weeds like clover or chickweed. If you’re using a hot composting method, even seeds from weeds won’t survive the high temperatures. Bonus: more material means more warmth, which speeds up the composting process. Don’t let weeds go to waste—let them work for you instead.
Use Your Lawnmower for Faster Composting
Chopping up compost materials doesn’t have to be a chore. One of the easiest ways to break things down faster is by running your lawnmower over them. Got a pile of pruned branches or garden clippings? Lay them out on the ground and let the mower do the work.
Using a tool you already have on hand saves time and effort. Just avoid running it over anything too tough—nobody wants a damaged mower blade. If you’re working with smaller bins, consider a compost aerator or a garden sifter for a similar shortcut. These simple tricks can make the composting process feel effortless.
Cut Tough Stems at an Angle
When dealing with woody stems that are tough to chop, try cutting them on an angle. This gives microbes more surface area to latch onto, speeding up decomposition. A pocket knife or sharp pruners work great for this, especially with thicker stems like sunflower stalks or mature vegetable plants.
If a stem doesn’t feel soft when you squeeze it, shredding won’t do the trick. Cutting diagonally is an easy way to get those tougher materials compost-ready. It’s a quick, simple adjustment that makes a big difference in how fast your pile breaks down.
Snip Lower Leaves to Boost Your Compost and Plants
Green materials are everywhere if you know where to look—like the lower leaves of your garden plants. Removing these older leaves not only adds nutrient-rich material to your compost but also helps your plants thrive. Without those leaves in the way, your plants can focus on producing more.
This trick is especially useful for vegetables and can even help reduce slug problems by limiting their hiding spots. You can pull the leaves by hand or use a sharp pair of pruning shears. It’s a win-win: healthier plants and a greener compost pile.
Don’t Worry Too Much About Rodents
Rodents near your compost pile can feel like a big deal, but they’re not always the problem they seem to be. Believe it or not, if rats or mice do show up, they may actually help aerate your pile by tunneling through it. Plus, if you’re managing your compost well—covering food scraps and avoiding too much meat—you might not even notice them.
If keeping them away entirely is your goal, try planting rodent-repelling plants like mint or lavender around the area. And if you have a barn cat roaming around, even better—they’re nature’s pest control.
Check Your Compost for Too Much Moisture
Too much water can slow down your compost, turning it into a soggy, smelly mess. One easy way to check is by giving it a squeeze. If more than a drop or two of water drips out, it’s time to dry things out.
Spreading the compost out or turning it more often can help introduce air and balance the moisture. Tools like a soil moisture meter can also give you a better sense of what’s going on inside the pile. A good compost heap should feel like a damp sponge—not soaking wet.
Rain Won’t Ruin Your Compost
If you’re worried that rain might wash away nutrients in your compost, there’s no need to stress. Unlike fertilizers, compost holds onto its goodness, even in wet weather. That’s why spreading it during the rainy season can still benefit your garden.
Once compost is in your garden beds, it continues to feed the soil while improving drainage and retaining moisture. So, whether it’s pouring or drizzling, your compost is still working hard for your plants.
Make a Compost Bin from What You Have
Building a compost bin doesn’t have to mean splurging on expensive setups. Pallets, old wood, or other repurposed materials can work just fine. Four pallets tied together with wire can make a simple yet effective compost bay.
Line the sides with cardboard to keep heat and moisture in, skipping the fancy slats. It’s low-cost, easy to customize, and gets the job done. Plus, building it yourself makes it feel more rewarding every time you toss in a kitchen scrap or yard trimming.
*This content was created with the help of AI.