Compost Masterclass: The Easy Way to Make Compost

Compost. It's the life and soul of every garden. Get it right, and everything else will follow. But how do you make it? What's the best recipe, and how do you get started?

In this week's episode, Ben answers all your composting questions and gets his hands dirty while he demonstrates everything you need to know to get the best, crumbliest compost ever!

For even more on composting, including how to make your own pallet composting bay, see:

And if you missed our recent video showing what to sow in November and how to make recycled paper pots, this one is for you:

If you love growing your own food, why not take a look at our online Garden Planner which is available from several major websites and seed suppliers:
and many more...

[debbybrady]

My hubby didn't want me to make a compost pile because of "vermin". I assured him it wouldn't attract any. When I used the first batch last year he sure changed his mind. He thought it smelled so good. Now he helps me with gathering materials. He even tears up the cardboard for me.

[rbroach]

I wasn't expecting to laugh so much at a compost video. This was great! (and educational)

[trekaboutvintage]

I'm a gardening teacher in a middle school in the USA. I can't wait to show my students this video! They'll love the "wee" part... But I'll have to let them know that that element would not be appropriate for the school compost bins. 😂 Thanks for the video! Wonderful as usual.

[samueljaramillo]

Great video. A couple of tips. I blend all my vegetables and fruits, egg shells, and coffee grounds in a blender and pour the slurry in my compost pile with grass clippings . I also shred my leaves with my mower. Doing this helps things break down faster. Happy gardening from America.

[Oktopia]

I have near zero food waste at the moment. Between hot compost, cold compost, and my Bokashi system, it all has its uses. I also have wood ash from my own stove, and I can freely get horse, chicken, and alpaca manure within walking distance from where I live. I even have full access to nettles, comfrey, and horsetail for compost teas. I feel very fortunate. I'm all set for the next growing season!

[Wellbaby]

I love your enthusiasm for all things gardening. Who else would be so rapturous about his compost? Thank you for another great instructional video.

[lornabaker]

Great video! On a side note, that is a beautiful old stone wall in the background!

[aquanature]

Loved that part you said about peeing on the compost heap and your buddy popped his head up. Thanks for the laugh ;) haha

[spir]

You are brilliant! I have never seen so much great information packed into one video. I also love how you reuse and recycle. I live in America and we’re constantly bombarded with ads for expensive products. Thank you for reusing, recycling, and giving thrifty advice!

[SistaChic]

I'll never look at dressing the compost heap the same way. I almost fell over laughing at the peeing bit. Too funny, but also accurate!

[lucybarnard]

I love making compost, I can’t believe how excited I get about it, even love watching composting videos when I mainly know what I’m doing xx

[jaytoney]

I have a small compost bin, about a meter square. Everything goes into it, food scraps, egg shells, coffee grounds, leaves, and bulky cuttings from my garden. I keep it moist to keep the bugs and microbes active. In the spring, I dig out the bottom half and spread it in my raised beds, then refill, push down to make more room, and fill again to restart the process. It doesn't go far, but is saves me from buying a few bags of compost. I also cover my unused raised beds and grow bags with a layer of chopped leaves for the winter. Come planting time, mid February, the leaves get covered with a layer of compost, and are left to break down under a layer of fresh soil.

[nineteenninetyfive]

The method that works for me is I put everything in the heap over the year and then once a year I empty it out and spread it around. Anything not broken down enough goes into the next heap. It's very easy.

[hiromikami]

Always nice to see your face and hear your voice, no matter the topic. I love all of your videos!

[AstonJay]

I would love to have a large garden like the one you have one day. So much space to be able to do all of this more easily.

[sherriianiro]

Thanks for pointing out the beneficial critters that hibernate in compost!
I quickly learned no pitchfork when one time I almost stabbed a pregnant toad in my compost pile.
Now, I only use a shovel and gather it from the bottom only & then add to the top so that no one gets hurt - I am getting the best compost from the bottom of the heap!

[wallybruns]

I just watched a video of yours from 2 years ago and now this one. Always great tips.

[mikki]

You are such a treat! Informative, funny, educational.... love this channel!!

[TawandaMinya]

This video is proof that nature gets you high. You are easily the happiest person I've ever seen doing what they love

[boscodiogigia]

Always nice to see people with hands in soil 😍Great job!