The Truth About Compost: What You Can & Can’t Add

Turning waste into garden gold—without the mess or confusion.

Composting sounds simple, right? Throw your kitchen scraps in a pile and wait. But then someone says “don’t add onions,” or “only use brown stuff,” and suddenly, your eco-friendly dreams feel like they need a science degree.

Let’s clear it up once and for all—with a no-fuss guide to what really belongs in your compost, what doesn’t, and a few common myths we’re ready to bust.

Why Compost Anyway?

Compost is one of the best things you can give your garden. It:

• Improves soil structure and drainage

• Adds slow-release nutrients for plants

• Reduces the need for chemical fertilizers

• Cuts down your household waste dramatically

Even better? You can make it for free—right at home.

What You Can Add to Your Compost

Think of compost as a balance between “greens” (nitrogen-rich) and “browns” (carbon-rich). You want both to keep the pile healthy and active.

“Green” Items (Moist, Nitrogen-rich):

• Fruit & veg scraps (peels, cores, etc.)

• Coffee grounds and tea bags (check for plastic in some tea bags!)

• Fresh grass clippings

• Plant trimmings

• Crushed eggshells

• Manure (from herbivores like rabbits, chickens, or horses)

“Brown” Items (Dry, Carbon-rich):

• Dried leaves

• Cardboard (shredded)

• Paper towels and newspaper (no glossy ink)

• Straw and hay

• Sawdust and wood shavings (from untreated wood)

• Toilet paper rolls

Balance tip: Too many greens = slimy and smelly. Too many browns = dry and slow. A healthy compost heap should be as moist as a wrung-out sponge.

What Not to Add (and Why)

Some things don’t break down well, attract pests, or can harm your plants.

❌ Meat, dairy & bones – Smelly, slow to decompose, and attracts rodents.

❌ Oily foods & cooked leftovers – Same problem: stink and pests.

❌ Glossy or colored paper – May contain toxic inks.

❌ Pet waste (cats/dogs) – Can contain harmful pathogens.

❌ Weeds with seeds – Seeds might survive and spread in your garden.

❌ Diseased plant material – Can carry diseases back into your soil.

Composting Myths—Busted

“You can’t compost citrus or onions.”

FALSE. You can! Just chop them up. Some say worms don’t like citrus, but in a hot compost heap, it’s no problem in moderation.

“Compost has to smell bad.”

FALSE. If your compost smells rotten, it’s out of balance. Add more browns and give it a good turn.

“You need a fancy bin to compost.”

FALSE. A simple pile in the corner of your garden works. That said, compost bins speed things up—and we’ve got several in stock if you want tidy and efficient.

Composting Gear We Recommend:

• Compost bins – From basic to dual-chamber tumblers

• Aeration tools – Turn your pile easily to speed decomposition

• Compost thermometers – Know when your pile is heating up

• Wormeries – Perfect for small spaces or apartment composting

• Bagged compost – While your own breaks down, we've got premium organic compost ready to go

Final Tip: Be Patient, Keep It Balanced, and Stick With It

Composting isn’t an exact science, and you don’t need to get everything perfect. The main thing is: keep it turning, keep it balanced, and don’t give up. In a few months, you’ll be digging into a pile of rich, crumbly compost that your garden will absolutely love.