Everything dies. Every flower, every fleeting breath of beauty, has its time. But in nature’s perfect cycle, death is not an end – it is an offering. From decay comes nourishment, and from that nourishment, new life. Compost is not about endings; it is about beginnings. This is not the death of waste – this is the birth of soil.

Composting is one of life’s most sacred metaphors. It teaches us that nothing is truly wasted. With the right care, even the discarded can become fertile ground for something new. A compost heap is not a grave but a cradle.

Become a steward of transformation

To begin composting is to become a steward of transformation. Composting speeds up the natural decomposition process through the magic of micro-organisms, insects, and time. But they need your help – you are the facilitator. These creatures thrive on warmth, air, and a careful balance of materials.

Start with a bin that suits your space and soul. It might be a second-hand plastic bin, a handcrafted structure of pallets, an old builders’ bag, or a cosy heap edged with straw. If you’re short on space, try indoor methods like Bokashi bins or community composting schemes.

Next, feed your compost the right ingredients. A balanced mix of ‘greens’ (food scraps, grass cuttings) and ‘browns’ (cardboard, newspaper, dried leaves) is essential. Avoid meat, dairy, and invasive plants like bindweed or brambles, unless your compost gets hot enough to neutralise them. Moisture and oxygen are crucial – too wet and it rots, too dry and it stalls. Like all living systems, it thrives in balance.

Don’t let it suffocate – turn it. Stir the pile with a fork or move it between heaps. Add egg cartons or toilet rolls to create pockets for air. This isn’t a static process; it breathes, just like you do. And then, wait.

Good compost takes six months to a year

Good compost – that dark, earthy humus rich with possibility – takes around six months to a year to produce, depending on warmth and care. Tuck it somewhere warm, not forgotten, in a dark corner. This is a sacred space, not a dumping ground. You’re not hiding death, you’re nurturing life.

This is the beginning of something beautiful.