For many, composting sounds like a lot of work, unpleasant odors, and a messy garden pile. Yet, a good compost can be almost odorless if you follow a few simple rules.
Sustainable gardening is becoming increasingly popular, especially in Austria. With your own compost, you reduce kitchen waste, save on trash, and simultaneously obtain valuable soil for your garden, balcony, or raised bed.
This beginner's guide to composting shows you how to set up a compost without the stench and which mistakes you should avoid.
Why composting makes sense
During composting, organic waste is naturally decomposed. This creates nutrient-rich humus that strengthens plants and improves the soil.
Benefits of composting:
- less organic waste
- natural potting soil
- sustainable household
- saves fertilizer
- good for the environment and garden
Even small amounts of kitchen waste make a difference in the long run.
Why compost sometimes smells
A healthy compost usually smells slightly like forest floor or soil. Strong odors are usually caused by incorrect composition or lack of ventilation.
The most common causes:
- too much moisture
- too few dry materials
- food scraps of animal origin
- poor air circulation
- compacted compost pile
The key is: balance between moist and dry materials.
What can go into the compost?
These materials are excellent:
Kitchen waste:
- fruit and vegetable scraps
- Coffee grounds
- tea bags
- Eggshells
Garden waste:
- leaves
- grass clippings (only in small amounts)
- small branches
- wilted plants
Dry materials:
- cardboard pieces
- newspaper (unprinted or lightly printed)
- Straw
What does NOT belong in the compost?
To avoid odors and pests:
- meat scraps
- Fish
- Dairy products
- cooked food
- large amounts of bread
- Cat litter
- diseased plants
These materials attract animals and promote rot.
The most important trick against stench: The right mixture
A good compost needs:
"Green" materials (moist)
- Vegetable scraps
- grass clippings
- Coffee grounds
"Brown" materials (dry)
- leaves
- Cardboard box
- small twigs
The dry components provide air in the compost and prevent unpleasant odors.
Rule of thumb:
Keep adding dry layers.
The right location for the compost
The ideal spot:
- partially shaded
- protected from wind
- directly on soil
- not too wet
Too much sun dries out the compost, too much rain makes it rot.
Composting on the balcony
Composting is possible even without a garden. On a balcony or a small roof terrace, the following options can be used:
- Bokashi bucket
- worm composter
- small compost systems for balcony or terrace
Especially in apartments, low-odor systems are becoming increasingly popular.
Options for compost in the garden
Compost heap
The simplest and cheapest option. Kitchen and garden waste are collected directly in an open pile.
Benefits:
- cheap
- plenty of space for garden waste
- easy to implement
Compost silo made of wood or metal
A closed composter looks tidier and retains heat better.
Benefits:
- faster decomposition process
- fewer odors
- visually cleaner
Thermal composter
These closed systems insulate heat particularly well and accelerate composting.
Ideal for:
- smaller gardens
- faster humus
- less odor formation
Worm compost (worm farm)
Special compost worms decompose kitchen waste particularly efficiently.
Benefits:
- very nutrient-rich humus
- requires little space
- also suitable for terrace
Bokashi composter
A Japanese fermentation system where kitchen waste is fermented airtight.
Benefits:
- hardly any odor
- very fast
- also suitable for apartments
Raised bed with compost layers
Many raised beds function as a compost system at the same time.
Structure:
- branches at the bottom
- Garden waste
- Compost
- soil on top
The decomposition additionally generates heat for plants.
Leaf compost
Especially for large amounts of autumn leaves.
- Particularly suitable for:
- humus-rich garden soil
- natural soil improvement
Surface composting
Organic materials are distributed directly onto beds.
Benefits:
- protects the soil
- saves work
- natural nutrient supply
Rapid composter
With special compost accelerators or optimized ventilation, finished humus is created faster.
DIY composter from pallets
Very popular in Austria and Germany.
Benefits:
- cheap
- sustainable
- individually customizable
You can combine these variants depending on space, garden style, and effort. Beginners often start with a simple thermal composter or an open compost pile.
How often do you have to turn the compost?
To ensure enough oxygen gets in:
- loosen or turn every 4–8 weeks
This accelerates decomposition and prevents rot.
Typical beginner mistakes when composting
Too much grass clipping
- Compacts the compost and promotes odors.
Too wet
- A compost should be as moist as a wrung-out sponge.
No air supply
- Compacted piles begin to rot.
Wrong food
- Animal products often cause strong odors.
When is compost ready?
Mature compost:
- smells pleasantly earthy
- is dark brown
- contains hardly any recognizable waste
Depending on conditions, this usually takes:
- 6–12 months
FAQ: Composting for beginners
Why does my compost stink?
Mostly because of too much moisture or incorrect materials.
Can you also compost in winter?
Yes – decomposition just slows down.
Do you need a composter?
No, but closed systems look tidier and retain heat better.
Conclusion: Composting is easier than you think
Composting without stench works surprisingly easily with the right mixture of moist and dry materials. If you follow a few basic rules, you can turn kitchen and garden waste into valuable humus – sustainably, cheaply, and environmentally friendly.
Even a small compost helps to reduce waste and make your own garden or balcony more natural.
Read also: The best time to mow the lawn – with consideration for bees & neighbors
Photo by Sabine, meinhaushalt.at
