Composting 101 on the Main Line: Transform Your Kitchen Waste into Garden Gold
Composting doesn't need to be a hassle! Discover how it works with easy-to follow tips so you can start making compost today.
So you know composting is good for the environment. But do we you really know what it means or what is involved? Composting is the breakdown of organic matter including paper, leaves, and food scraps, which results in dirt-like soil that is dark in color and extremely nutrient-rich. Compost will replenish depleted soil and can be used in flower and vegetable gardens and even your house plants, and it can dramatically reduce the amount of garbage your family puts on the curb every week.
The process is much easier than you may think, but it still takes a bit of planning and preparation. We’ve done our research and spoken to members of the community and experts at gardening centers to create a simple beginner’s guide to get you started.
What is Composting?
Composting is the natural process of breaking down organic matter—including paper, leaves, and food scraps—into a dark, nutrient-rich soil amendment. This “black gold” can revitalize depleted soil in your garden, nourish your houseplants, and significantly reduce your family’s weekly waste output.
As Gwenn Nolan, founder of Mother Compost, explains: “Composting is one of those small, everyday choices that I love because it truly makes a difference. It’s about turning waste into something valuable that goes back into the earth, feeding soil instead of landfills and incinerators. I believe that when more people choose to compost, we’re choosing to build a healthier, more resilient environment—together.”
What Can I Compost?
Many common household items can be composted:
- Cardboard egg cartons
- Paper and newspaper
- Fruit and vegetable scraps
- Eggshells
- Tea bags
- Leaves and small twigs
- Yard waste
Pro tip: Break larger items into smaller pieces to speed up decomposition. For example, tear egg cartons and newspapers into smaller sections, and cut up vegetable scraps.
What to Avoid
- Meat bones and fatty foods (they decompose slowly and attract pests)
- Chemically treated grass or leaves
- Materials containing fertilizers (these chemicals can harm your compost)
For an in-depth list of compostable materials, click here.
Composting Options
DIY Composting
If you’re ready to start composting at home, you have several container options:
- Best for long-term composting
- Ideal for larger properties
- Easy to turn and maintain
- Higher initial investment but built to last
- Available for both indoor and outdoor use
- Requires manual turning with a pitchfork
- More affordable option
- Good for smaller spaces
Professional Composting Services
For those who want the benefits of composting without the hassle, a service like Mother Compost on the Main Line can make the process easy and consistent. They handle everything from clean containers after each pickup to sending reminders for collection days. Mother Compost also tracks the amount of waste you divert, so you can see your environmental impact in action—making composting accessible for busy households and businesses alike.
Maintaining Your Compost
Success in composting requires just a few key elements:
- Proper airflow
- Adequate heat retention
- Regular turning (2-3 times monthly)
- Protection from pests
Whether using a tumbler or traditional bin, ensure your compost has proper ventilation while retaining heat. For outdoor piles, protect them with wire or wooden fencing to deter local wildlife.
Using Your Finished Compost
After six months to a year, your compost will be ready to use. Look for these signs:
- Dark, rich color
- Soil-like texture
- Earthy smell
Use your finished compost to:
- Enrich vegetable garden soil
- Nourish flower beds
- Feed houseplants
- Top-dress your lawn
Don’t have space to use your compost? Many community gardens throughout the Main Line and Western Suburbs welcome compost donations. Check with your local borough for drop-off locations.
Quick Tips for Main Line Composters
- Maintain proper heat and airflow
- Turn compost regularly
- Protect from local wildlife
- Skip chemical-treated materials
- Avoid fatty foods
- Consider local composting services for convenience
Ready to start composting but need more guidance? Connect with local experts at Mother Compost or visit your neighborhood garden center for personalized advice suited to your Main Line property.
This guide is part of the Main Line Parent Home Improvement Guide, helping local families create sustainable, beautiful homes in Philadelphia’s Western Suburbs. Mother Compost photos by Avi Fox Photography.
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