One of the first questions new composters ask is: “How long will it take before I have finished compost?” The honest answer is: it depends. For most backyard composters, compost takes about six months to a year to fully break down. Some piles can produce finished compost in just a few months, while others may…
Composting mistakes happen to almost every beginner, but one of the biggest myths about composting is that it’s difficult. In reality, composting is one of the most forgiving skills a homesteader can learn. Nature has been breaking down organic matter for millions of years without our help. That said, a handful of common mistakes can…
If you’ve ever tried composting only to end up with a smelly pile of mush—or a heap that seems to sit unchanged for months—the problem usually isn’t your compost bin. More often than not, it comes down to one simple concept: balancing your browns and your greens. Understanding the difference between these two components is the secret to…
If you’re new to gardening, homesteading, or growing your own food, you’ve probably heard experienced gardeners talk about compost as if it’s some kind of magic ingredient. They call it “black gold.” They swear by it. And they seem to put it on everything. But what exactly is compost, and why is it such an…
My First Gardening Failure I’ll start with a confession: when I moved into my very first apartment in college, I killed a cactus. Yes, a cactus. I wanted a little houseplant to make my apartment feel more like home. Since I was forgetful, I figured a cactus would be the perfect choice. After all, everyone…
