I remember writing about the types of composting we can do in my previous post, and received some feedback that many do not even know what composting means, and that is OK because I didn’t know what composting really is until I googled it. So yes, we learn something new every day, and I figure I can share what composting means to me and how I do it. I will also be sharing about how to do backyard composting (traditional way) because to me, this is the simplest, hassle-free, and cost-efficient way.
But first, let’s go back to basics to learn what exactly is composting. In short, composting is a natural way to turn food scraps and garden waste into rich, healthy soil. You pile up things like fruit peels, veggie bits, and dry leaves, and tiny bugs and bacteria break it all down. In about 3 to 6 months, it transforms into dark, crumbly compost that plants love because it is filled with good nutrients. It’s a simple way to cut down on rubbish, help the earth, and grow a greener garden — all by recycling things you’d normally throw away. However, as easy as it sounds, there is a proper method to do composting to avoid pests coming to your home.
Here is a step-by-step guide to backyard/garden composting for beginners like me
Step 1: Find the Right Spot
Look for a place that’s:
- Partly shaded — avoid direct hot sun to prevent drying out too fast.
- Has good drainage — after our Malaysian unpredictable weather, you don’t want a soggy compost pile.
- Near your kitchen or garden — easy access encourages daily use.
Step 2: Choose Your Compost System
You can compost using:
- Simple Compost Pile: Just heap everything on the ground — cheap and fast.
- DIY Bin: Use a rubbish bin (black one), baskets, or crates — poke some holes for air circulation. I personally used the black one with a cover and drilled some holes in it so bugs and worms can enter from the side too.
- Ready–Made Compost Bin: Buy one from Mr DIY, Shopee, or hardware stores — neat and pest-resistant.
Step 3: Prepare the Compost Base
- If using a bin, place it directly on soil (not on tiles or cement) to allow earthworms and microbes to enter. So your garden is the best place.
- Create a base layer with small sticks, dried leaves, or coconut husk (sabut kelapa) — this improves airflow and drainage.
Step 4: What to Compost
Think in two groups:
“Greens” (Wet, Nitrogen-rich), example:
· Banana skins, mango peels, durian husk (soft parts)
· Vegetable scraps (kangkung stems, sawi ends)
· Coffee grounds and tea leaves
· Fresh grass cuttings
“Browns” (Dry, Carbon-rich), example
· Dried coconut husk (sabut kelapa)
· Old newspapers (shredded)
· Any dry leaves from your tree or your neighbours’ tree if you feel extra rajin
· Brown coconut leaves, cardboard boxes
Things you should NOT put into your compost:
- Meat, chicken, fish bones (attracts rats and monitor lizards)
- Oily foods (nasi lemak leftovers, sambal, any cooked food leftover, as it attracts cockroaches, pests)
Basic Rule of Thumb to remember is 1 part green, 2-3 parts brown for a balanced, healthy pile.
Step 5: Build and Maintain Your Compost
Set up a simple system:
- Layer greens and browns like making kuih lapis.
- Keep moist, not wet: Compost should feel like a damp sponge.
- Turn it weekly: Use a cangkul (hoe) or garden fork to mix everything and add oxygen.
Composting in a weather like Malaysia typically takes around 3 to 6 months, depending on how you manage your pile.
In the first 1-2 weeks, your compost pile will start to heat up as tiny microbes break down the organic waste. It might smell a bit, especially if you have a lot of food scraps. If it gets too smelly, it could be too wet or compacted. To fix this, mix the pile to let air in, and add dry materials like leaves or cardboard to balance the moisture.
In weeks 3-4, the pile will heat up even more, and the decomposition process will speed up. Larger materials, like twigs and small branches, will start to break down too. If the pile cools down too much, turn it regularly and make sure you have a good balance of “green” (fruit and veggie scraps, grass) and “brown” (dried leaves, paper) materials for air flow.
By 2-3 months, your pile will start to cool down, and it should look like dark, crumbly soil. If you still find big pieces, break them up and make sure the pile isn’t too dry. Malaysia’s hot and humid climate should help speed up the process, but keep it moist—if it gets too dry, it can slow down.
By 3-6 months, the compost should be fully decomposed into rich, dark soil that smells earthy, not rotten. If it’s still chunky, just turn it or let it sit a little longer.
One thing to note is that in your compost, several insects are normal and helpful. Earthworms are great because they break down organic matter and help aerate the pile. Black soldier fly larvae eat food scraps quickly, speeding up decomposition. Ants can show up, especially in hot weather, but they don’t harm the compost. If they dry it out, just add some moisture or turn the pile. Rolly pollies (pill bugs) feed on decaying plant matter and help break it down. Beetles, like dung beetles, also help by eating organic material in the compost.
On the other hand, if you see fruit flies, it might mean there’s too much wet or sugary food. To fix this, cover the scraps with dry leaves or soil. In general, as long as your compost is balanced, these insects will help break down the materials into rich, nutrient-packed compost for your plants.
In a tropical weather country like Malaysia, the key is to manage moisture levels, especially during the dry season, and mix your compost regularly to keep it healthy. If it gets too wet (like after a heavy rain), add dry materials like leaves or straw to absorb the excess moisture. With these tips, you’ll have nutrient-rich compost ready for your plants in just a few months.
Once your compost is ready, you can use it almost anywhere your plants need a boost! Spread it in your garden beds to enrich the soil, mix it into potting soil for healthier potted plants, or sprinkle a thin layer over your lawn to keep the grass green and strong. It’s just like a plant vitamin!
Hope this guide can help you start your composting journey and let your plants get some the vitamin C (c for compost)! They deserve it! 🙂
RR