Home Composting

Materials that come from plants contain nitrogen and carbon, which over time can decompose. That material can then be used as a slow-release fertilizer, a soil amendment, in your potting soil, or in your raised-bed vegetable garden.

In addition, home composting helps the environment as it is waste that is not transported to a landfill.

The following materials known as "greens" are high in nitrogen:

• Grass clippings
• Green leaves
• Fruit and vegetable kitchen scraps
• Coffee grounds
• Tea bags

The following materials known as "browns" are high in carbon:

• Brown leaves
• Paper coffee filters
• Stale cereals and rice
• Crushed egg shells
• Newspaper
• Chipped tree branches

Composting materials should be chipped or shred so individual items are no more than two to three inches long. Materials should then be placed in a composting bin.

After building the compost pile, the compost will heat up due to biological activity and will settle as the materials decompose. To speed up the process, "turn" the compost about once a week.

It’s ready to use when it has a uniform look, dark color, small particle size and an earthy odor. Most of the materials you put in will no longer be recognizable. It is now ready for use.

When done correctly, compost is not smelly, and does not attract unwanted wildlife and pests.

Learn how to make rich organic soil from leaves, branches, paper plates and other recyclable materials through a process called composting. Join University of Florida Master Gardeners for a step-by-step workshop on making your own soil.

Workshop participants will receive a voucher (one per household, Miami-Dade residents only) for a free compost bin (limited quantities, while supplies last). The pickup location will be provided after the program.

Be sure to bookmark or favorite this page and check again regularly as new workshop dates, both in-person and online, may be added.

Online workshops begin at 2 p.m., unless otherwise noted below. They will be conducted virtually via Zoom. Space is limited for online events. Registration is required. To register, click the link with the date you are interested in. Zoom link will be emailed to registrants within 24 hours of the event start time.

Upcoming 2024 online workshop dates:

• December 28

• Miami-Dade Cooperative Extension (scroll down to Composting section)
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
• Sarasota County Extension Service