Simple Guide to Composting | How to Make Compost When You're New to Composting

This is a no-fuss video which I made to show you how to get started with your first ever compost bin. Composting is easy and hopefully this video will show you how simple it is to start filling up a compost bin and have compost ready next year to grow in. There will be more videos in the future about composting in more detail too. This is part of my book week celebration of the launch of Veg in One Bed: amzn.to/2BDJiQz
List of compostable materials to use.
Greens:
- Horse and cow manure
- Rabbit and Guinea Pig droppings
- Used coffee ground
- Kitchen vegetable scraps
- Garden weeds which haven't flowered
- Grass clippings
- Spent brewery grains
Browns:
- Autumn leaves
- Shredded paper
- Newspaper and cardboard
- Dried grass
Don't use:
- Dairy, meat or any fatty products
- Dog or Cat manure
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HuwsNursery is a channel which dedicates itself to teaching you how to grow an abundance of food at your home. Videos are uploaded every week and cover a vast range of subjects including; soil health, sowing, transplanting, weeding, organic tips, permaculture, pest control, harvesting and low maintenance growing to name a few.
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[@Dorothypotterspanish]

I could listen to him saying "compost" forever.

[@livybister]

Dorothy Potter Spanish I’m glad I’m not the only one 😂🤩🤪🥰

[@ismailhassan8574]

compost the compost !!

[@KanishQQuotes]

Compost is moist

[@sandiec6063]

😂😂😂

[@williamreely3455]

Com-PAWst

[@jeanmuehlfelt7942]

When we lived in Scotland, it took 18 months to make compost. So damp up there. :-) I learned from Organic Gardening book from the 1940's to add some dirt. It introduces the micro-organisms that break down the matter much faster. The formula was 1" of soil after about 2-feet of green and brown matter. Works great! Thanks for the great vids.

[@TheActiveLifeLived]

Even adding a bag of store bought soil...that speeds it up dramatically

[@CaptainMattsWorms]

Yes the micro organisms are so important in composting…I have millions of worms that i raise for fertilizer for my garden (LOTS of microorganisms!) and also to teach others how to care for them :) Worms are the secret to any great garden ;)

[@CBL-if8jr]

I collected horse droppings - I always have a bucket & shovel in my car .... 😉

[@Sky-Child]

I live in Scotland and it doesn't need to take that long! Layering properly is key!

[@paolacarolinabravobermeo4102]

"It´s really hard to make a mistake". Thanks for that. You make me feel confident to start making mine.

[@kenbellchambers4577]

Unfortunately this is not correct, it is all to easy to make a mistake. In fact, it is almost impossible not to make mistakes. A compost pile in an urban setting can very easily become a hazard with vermin, flies and terrible smells. The products of a household are almost all nitrates. Compost needs ideally, five times the volume of carbon to nitrogen. So, one barrow full of grass clippings would require no less than four barrows of dry unrotted leaves. More grass clippings could be used, but they are not necessary. If you seek high carbon ratios, you get much more compost without hazards. For serious continuous feed heaps, the storage of as many forms of dry carbon as possible is the key consideration for excellent compost. High carbon heaps get very hot and kill pathogens, they kill weeds and seeds, and they can take a continuous flow of scraps and putrescibles without smells or vermin. I do not use bins, but my heap is always covered with shadecloth to deter animals and birds as well as wind and sun. I keep covered heaps of hay, woodchips, sawdust, and leaves, and at present I have a large trailer load of shredded bamboo also. This dry carbon with all of the different textures are very welcome all year around but particularly in the winter and in wet weather. So, a good composter will be constantly collecting carbon where ever it may be, then keeping a large stock on hand at all times, There are usually many public places that benefit from leaf removal and disposal of wood chips, and many mills are happy for people to take sawdust away. Gutters on roofs and roadsides get choked with leaves, there are many sources of carbon such as every bit of what gets burned in a forest fire.

[@woutmoerman711]

@@kenbellchambers4577 thanks for the detailed write up. If you dry grass clippings, does it the count as dry carbon?

[@kenbellchambers4577]

@@woutmoerman711 Yes, dry grass clippings are considered to be carboniferous. It is a very good practice to get sawdust. (from actual wood, not manufactured wood sheets like 'pine-board', as they have chemicals which may be harmful), and/or wood chips to soak up decomposing material. Pine needles are excellent when dry as a carbon source that both last longer than dried clippings, but provide better structural properties to the pile. Pine needles are not, however very absorbent, and you need both structure and absorbency if you are using putrescibles in the heap. Sawdust is absolutely excellent.

[@KtheMighty]

@@kenbellchambers4577 nice info thanks. Was wondering could you just use dry grass leaves and fresh cut grass. And if so would this be less appealing to rats and such

[@kenbellchambers4577]

@@KtheMighty Diversity is one of the key elements of good compost. A piece of shade cloth will prevent most predators or scavengers. A household is like a nitrate factory, so bringing in extra carbon, sawdust is the best, is almost essential. Dry sawdust absorbs liquids and suppresses odours.

[@RCPrepping]

Feed the soil. The soil will feed the plants. Compost is a must.

[@eco_guardian]

Wow its like watching Chris Hemsworth gardening. Great video.

[@thederangedhermit725]

They do resemble.

[@etatsopa]

Great value Chris Hemsworth maybe

[@danthomas6587]

A great place to start is a book on soil science. You'll never call it dirt again. "Teaming with Microbes" was a good one.

[@HuwRichards]

I'm studying that book at the moment :)

[@nakkerannakl1627]

Dan Thomas waste decomposition black enrich!

[@77777aol]

I'm on a bit of an anti 'dirt' Crusade. Earth, earth, earth ! [Thanks for the tip; I'll look into this book]

[@camdflage]

Note: ONLY vegetable matter. Meat and fats/creams and oils will attract vermin, wasps etc.

[@zogworth]

For people that live in warmer climates you can get away with burying animal waste as the microbeasties are so much more active.

[@hivekahuna1011]

We know

[@sohailislam3416]

@anny791 I watched his vid it a very informative video and impressive

[@wildmanstudios6534]

THANKS DUDE

[@monkeycompost1024]

Unless you use the compost technique called bokashi

[@thetacountry4487]

Thank you so much! This is by far the simplest most direct instructions to do some compost I have ever seen!

[@bulabunnies5602]

Best starter composting video I've seen that clearly explains how to start it. Thank you very much!

[@annawood9397]

I just started my compost a month ago and this is exactly what I needed to hear. Thanks 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

[@gardenwithpro-gro3203]

I’ve always enjoyed having my compost strategically placed (maybe on the way in/out) so that it gets the attention it deserves. Better soil-better food, and compost is the best way to achieve this. Great video Huw, keep up the great work.

[@kenbellchambers4577]

Mine is a few paces from my kitchen door. I visit it several times a day to make deposits. I call it my 'rhino', because it is alive! My heaps usually reach around four tonnes. I have four different forms of carbon at hand at all times to cover the new additions. At the moment I am using rip-sawed sawdust, which is stringy, chipped bamboo, dried forest leaves and other flammables from the forest, which are chipped or run through an electric chaff cutter, and usually wood chips also, which can be picked up for free in my area,

[@anilkapur1584]

A composting method for one and all, easy & simple, assisting nature to do her work. Covers all the ingredients one can use in composting. Bravo!

[@PhamVans]

Never knew how great gardening could be. Thanks for the tip with the 2:1 ratio.

[@krystynam4076]

This may be the best video on composting I have seen so far, Thank You

[@familygardener2019]

Thanks for showing how simply it is to set up a compost bin, and good luck for tomorrow, will defo be watching

[@maxxnerfs7791]

Thank you so much! I just got a composted today I’ve watched so many vids on it and you are the only one who makes sense to a newbie thanks!

[@joylowrie5394]

Very well explained! Thank you. Can’t wait to have a go at making our own compost 😊

[@larryperez8147]

Finally a great video of HOW TO START a compost pile.

[@Jennifer-H]

Thank you for making this process less daunting! I think I might be able to do 🙂

[@MarcGray1990]

Great video mate! So simple really! None of the fuss others mention! And I already have a compost bin. Have done for a few years but the ratio of 2 to 1 green and brown is the bit of advice I shall take from this 👍 cheers mate.

[@michaelmonteforte787]

I was feeling a little overwhelmed by the composting process but what you said makes it so much easier. Thanks

[@wonderwoman5528]

You’ve helped me so much with making compost. Thank you so much for all your invaluable advice! I wasn’t putting enough newspapers etc in. Hopefully it will be a lot faster now :) 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 👩🏼‍🌾

[@Paarthurnaxdova]

I absolutely love him. What a beautiful country and very down to earth personality. Thank you!!

[@tmontero8492]

Best, most informative composting KZbin yet! Thanks so much.

[@HuwRichards]

Wow thank you so much! I am so glad it's helpful

[@debras3806]

Oh my goodness! Thank you thank you! I've watched "loads" of videos (as you on that side of the pond would say;)) on composting, and you're the first one who makes it understandable. No one else ever says whether their suggested magic ratio is according to mass or weight... Kinda important! Thank you!

[@LizZorab]

Nice clear explanation of composting. Thanks Huw!

[@epiccoconut5995]

This is the simplest Composting Video i've seen! Now I can put my Juicing greens to good use. Thank you, I appreciate it.

[@NoellVidaurri]

Thank you for this simple easy to understand video!! Excited to get composting CORRECTLY. I’ve just been throwing kitchen scraps in a pile in my backyard 😂

[@inekedusseljee3093]

I was wondering about How to start one. Great timing.

[@soniabutler6280]

Thanks for that, you make so much sense especially about the mix.

[@christineosborne9789]

Hello great advice as always. Thank you from Devon.

[@ThatGardener]

Fantastic video and great tips. Learned a lot and pushing to get great compost. We managed to get some superb compost this year after trial errors and following your tips. Thank you.

[@PennyGetsItTogether]

I’ve got a sopping wet mess of a compost in my backyard because all I dump in there is greens (and some browns now and then). Your simple explanation of the ratio 1 greens: 2 browns will save my compost. I’ll have to move my bin to a corner of my backyard, grab tons of browns (cardboard and shredded paper) from work and redo my lasagna. THANKS A TON for making this clear. ❤️

[@kenbellchambers4577]

I green and two browns is on the low side.Try to get a trailer load of sawdust or wood chips, or if not these things at least a lot of leaves and dry grass. proper C/N ratios are around 30 to 1.

[@PennyGetsItTogether]

Ken Bellchambers Thank you! I am able to get saw dust from Home Depot. Still working on my compost 😅 but I need it more now especially now that I’ve actually started a little garden. ☺️

[@my3howards]

This is great Huw. You’ve reaffirmed what I’m doing right now. I have 3-4 co-workers who I’ve given buckets to for food scraps. I get about 4 buckets full each week. I also collect coffee grounds and cardboard boxes at the office. It’s amazing how much gets tossed out that can be used for good. Love your channel and can’t wait to get your book!

[@normabumbaugh6929]

It was a happy day in my little garden. My compost went into the beds. It was beautiful stuff. Thank you Huw!

[@HuwRichards]

My pleasure Norma! So glad to hear it ☺️

[@andreacozzani1145]

You are great Huw ! Very useful video on composting ... I am doing this here in my Italian garden ... thank you!

[@lucyherbert8789]

Great video Huw, congratulations on the book. I will definitely be purchasing a copy!

[@candace2293]

Thank you for simplifying all of this! Appreciate you!❣🥂❣

[@cmbdiscussions]

I loved this video, it’s so informative and entertaining, thank you!

[@dustinluthro3023]

This is great. I have a small garden on my apartment balcony. I have a tiny bag for compost and those paper shreddings work for killing bad smells so my wife lets me keep it.

[@rochford1000]

Funny you should say , "Imagine a compost bin as being a Lasagne" Huw. Most of the Lasagne's I've eaten lately have reminded me more of a compost bin............must change my supermarket!

[@craigharkins4669]

make it yourself. Homemade lasagna is the bomb. Especially if you can source Italian ingredients

[@robyndurdin6965]

🤣🤣🤣

[@svetlanikolova7673]

I hate lasagna but love the concept for my garden

[@lailamonreal4817]

Gosh ♥️♥️I love this man it's inspired me a lot to do gardening.

[@pwalms65]

Greetings from the gulf coast of Mississippi! I am new to gardening and am also starting to compost. Thank you very much for taking the time to teach your methods and techniques. I hit subscribe and am looking forward to your posts.

[@chrisbyars4422]

Clear and concise video, well presented.Thank you very much for your presentation.

[@ashleyforlife2277]

Best starter video for composting that I've seen so far. Thanks!

[@HuwRichards]

Thank you so much Ashley that's so kind of you! :)

[@gauravbhai7798]

Huw Richards - Grow Food Organically what happens if slugs or others type of insect makes home in compost in 12 months then how we remove them or is it ok

[@joannthompson765]

Great idea for use those raised beds slots when changing your beds to something else

[@PeacePlease.]

Thank you - very simple & sweet - sensibly explained. Ushta-te!!

[@thestupidgardener4642]

Love to compost...it is the key to a healthy garden

[@marcmaclellan3503]

just bought my first gardening book and it is yours. Your so helpful and pleasant . Waiting on getting my wee allotment 1-2 years waiting list. But going to try little projects in pots and raised beds . Grow your own food organic is the best

[@HuwRichards]

Wow thank you very much Marc! Good luck with getting your allotment! :)

[@TreasureByMeasure]

Thanks for making this video! Looking to build a compost bin as my next DIY project 😄👍

[@printer_fire475]

im new to gardening and I gotta say, you're so cool dude. gardening is exciting but it can be so much to juggle! you make it look so natural

[@HuwRichards]

Thank you so much for your kind words, I really appreciate them☺️

[@50shadesofgreen]

good day to you my gardening friend, excellent video today Huw !! 👨‍🌾🌱💚👌🎥

[@franfriel2]

Thanks, Huw. Super-helpful!

[@sammuueellll]

Thanks for the great, informative video! As a beginner this was a great a help. Congrats on the book too, I just placed an order :)

[@delekham1863]

Like your Ideas about composting! Worms might help, but are not needed. One must never forget to turn the compost. Starting/Middle and Finished compost. If you are lazy, LIKE me, It still works!!

[@jessicamaas6720]

just put a reservation on your book. Will be released in the Netherlands half way March. Looking forward to it!

[@GimmieTheGaff]

So simple and helpful. Thank you.

[@myriammadigan4040]

Thanks Huw, this is really helpful

[@TKG]

99% of my hedge trimming and grass collections are composted, I try and compost as much as possible. great for clients gardens, especially if you do a lot of weeding

[@lindacarroll6849]

Simplicity 💖 Thank you x

[@WATCHINGTHEWATCHERS]

Good vid. You do well at explaining how to do stuff. I have pallet compost bins and the plastic ones. My 3 plastic composers are full of worms, I can pull out handfuls at a time. Best thing to do when having an allotment is look for free resources.

[@michaeldavis2065]

You gave the exact information that I was looking for

[@CharlieKellyEsq]

I've looked through literally dozens of videos about composting before I realized "this isn't for me" Then I came across you. I think it's your accent. This video is now my composting bible

[@arsenepalwright5738]

Thank you for your no nonsense video.

[@hounaidah.farhat5159]

I like your method of compost making thanks for sharing

[@MainAcc0]

My right ear loved this.

[@Country-Gal-at-Heart]

Very helpful. Thank you for sharing 🌱

[@PaulEglinton]

Great content. This has really helped me. Thank you

[@Gardenninja]

I do love composting, though my own pallet bins got neglected last year due to being away working on Show Gardens. Which meant I couldn't top them up or turn them as frequently which slowed down my compost significantly. I've restarted it though. The 2 to 1 bucket tip is really useful for new gardeners Huw who often struggle with composting ratios! Keep up the great vids! Lee Garden Ninja

[@lorraineg8134]

Update, i have your book, its brilliant and so worth it. Well done Huw.Great video. Not long back from my allotment. Your book has been put away for me and my son is collecting it. Great price too, one bed being kept aside for your veg in one bed idea. Cant wait to start reading it tonight. Thanks Huw.

[@gretasgarden]

Great video making it look so simple. Thanks

[@cathyplantlover2862]

I like your garden set up, I've watched your videos since you started and kind of watched you grow up In away.......

[@HuwRichards]

Awhh thank you so much Cathy! :)

[@patriciavincent5076]

Always learn from you! Thank you!

[@mariavaleriagiacaglia8974]

Thank you so much for this video!

[@manishaprasad776]

Wow! Your garden is like a dream place for me, I am so interested in gardening but have no space to plant them.

[@hallonsylt6729]

Learned alot again! 🙃 Need to take a piss on my compost.. Striping my work on what ever "browns" I can lay my hands on and building a stach of shreded paper and cardboard for future use.

[@pauloroarty1799]

Very good Huw that was very informative and helpful.

[@candela6668]

Fantastic!

[@googlebarbaralernerspectre2581]

Thank you so much Huw, you're a complete legend :)

[@qwikstix3]

Bro I know everything I need to know to start composting in 10 minutes, and that’s F’ing incredible man.

[@solmma]

Loved It! Very clear!

[@TheThebinman10]

Just orderd your book cannot wait for it to turn up looks good

[@HuwRichards]

Awhh how fantastic!! Thank you so much! :D

[@giovannibedoya7079]

Very simple explanation. Love it. Thx a Lot

[@sripurnamabukit]

Really inspiring... Thanks for sharring. Watcing from Indonesia 😉👌

[@EyeSea]

That pallet build could even be modified to hold tools and such. Appreciate the video, super simple!

[@panexplosivoh3113]

You made me want to compost, great video!

[@spencersnursery1547]

Great video. I have started a worm bin to use up all those scraps

[@bootangy]

can a worm poo be enough compost on its own?

[@spencersnursery1547]

@@bootangy I'd mix a little compost in with it if your growing things in it

[@bootangy]

@@spencersnursery1547 ty

[@eb7614]

Very cool box

[@misschez84]

Thanks am newbie to composting and this has just made it so easy, thanks so much for a great video

[@HuwRichards]

My absolute pleasure!!!

[@misschez84]

@@HuwRichards does the same lasagne technique work in one of those black plastic compost bins? Or are you better with the open wooden one?

[@Cowgutz]

Gonna start my compost in the winter so I’ll have good soil in the spring for the garden I’m working on :)

[@craigkirbysr]

Thx! Very informative. I will start one:)

[@analaurahemsworth2578]

Love your channel!!

[@jimbodowling]

Thanks Huw!

[@sirgfunk]

Fantastic, thank you.

[@abcbcde9985]

We managed to produce very fast composting last summer in mid Wales thanks to the hot July (2018), lots of local horse muck, sheep wool insulation (on the top only) and good sized 1 metre by 1 metre by 1 metre heaps contained in pallets walls. We even achieved really high temperatures right into the Autumn. Yes, we kept on mixing and turning but this is labour intensive. Bigger heaps are best as they retain heat but need to be aerated a lot. Bigger heaps (1m+ cubed) may be simply too big for a small garden or where certain materials are scarce. I think Huw's perspective on more anaerobic methods (slow but sure) should suit most of us fine in the UK. Now that the unused heaps have cooled down we have an abundance of worms working away as an added bonus. Which pleases the chicken no end!

[@blancaestelarivera3711]

Nuevamente, muchas gracias😃 Soy adicta a tus videos.

[@oskars5760]

Love this video😃

[@CaliforniaGardener]

I am actually planning making a composting bin right now. So far just been piling stuff up which isn't optimal or attractive. So I'm going to build a 3 phase (bin) 12'x4'x4' composting bin. I have some lumbar from the Douglas First trees we cut and milled so should be decent when I'm done. Looking forward to some great outcomes!

[@Sonnycrockett1989]

Thanks mate, perfect.

[@joshthomas7999]

Thanks, Huw. Basic and helpful.

[@HuwRichards]

My pleasure :)