Garden and Compost Bin Tips:
Where to Put Yours for Success

A garden and compost bin go hand-in-hand if you're looking to grow your own food and reduce waste. I finally took the plunge—OK, John M. helped a lot!—and built our compost bin before the garden was even in place.

Whether you're just starting out or planning your next garden expansion, here’s how to position your compost bin for long-term success.

compost bin creation in progress

There's nothing quite like growing and consuming your very own vegetables!

John M building a compost bin

Shown above is a photo of John M, hard at work digging a post hole for the center post at the rear of the bin.

Donations: Scrap Wood and Muscle!

Seeing as the garden hasn't materialized yet, we thought we'd at least get going with the compost bin, so we'll have plenty of suitable material to work with when the garden is ready to go.

My dad had scrap wood he donated to the project, and John donated his muscle.

And me? I 'managed the project'... ha!... not! The compost bin will have two sections (for flipping, see below).

Why You Should Turn Compost from One Bin to the Other

As one side fills up, turn it over into the other bin. This way, it keeps the pile aerated and happy. So until John returns, I have a one-sided bin... and he said he'd be most surprised if I had one side filled before he returns in six months!

The compost bin is close to where the garden will be for ease of use, and far enough away from the house so we can't smell it!

Here are some composting tips and tricks from Planet Natural Research Center.

How to Compost at Home: Beginner Tips That Work

John Quinn's compost itemsPhoto: John Quinn, Germantown TN

I was contacted by John Quinn, a Remax Realtor from Germantown, TN—he loves all things gardening.

Mr Quinn posted this:

"As much as 30 percent of residential waste can be turned into compost. This effort could dramatically cut back on an individual's waste production.

If they compost in the house or yard (make sure to check that it is allowed in your community), homeowners who are worried that the items they recycle will end up in a landfill can look for replacements they can decompose instead.

People may be surprised with just how much they can toss into a compost pile. Composting can also save money by reducing the need to purchase expensive potting soil or fertilizers to promote healthy plant growth.

It may also reduce irrigation needs, cutting down on water usage and utility bills."

Here's the link to Mr Quinn's How To Compost At Home where you'll learn about what to PUT IN and what NOT to put in your compost pile. Check out some examples below...

Examples of WHAT to Compost:

Here are a few examples of waste stuff that is good, and those that are not suitable for composting:

Good for Composting:

  • Fruit and vegetable scraps (peels, skins, stems, etc.)
  • Coffee grounds and tea bags
  • *Uncooked egg shells
  • Stale bread
  • Nut shells

Not Suitable for Composting:

  • Meat or dairy products (can attract unwanted pests)
  • Oils and fats
  • Bones
  • Invasive weeds/high seed-bearing plants
  • Heavily processed foods like sauces or salad dressings
  • Pet waste

*Uncooked egg shells are those that have not been cooked. An example of a "cooked egg shell" would be from hard-boiled eggs.

The key things to compost are plant-based food scraps that can safely break down. Avoid any food items that could cause odors or spread diseases when composting.

Be a Composting Boss in Your Backyard with Backyard Boss

Ditch expensive garden fertilizers… make your own black gold and here’s a great place to learn more about compost over at Backyard Boss.

They go over different types of compost and which suits your needs best.

Where Should You Place Your Garden? Here's What to Consider

Locate an Ideal GARDENING/GROWING Area Near Water

My photo below shows an ideal spot in our front garden that is close to a water source. It is also shaded at the hot times of the day either by the trees (or a pull-over grommeted screen that will move horizontally on taut wires - not shown or even built yet - I can dream!).

The chosen site for our garden...

For a Good Garden, Choose its Site Carefully

Take into consideration these points when garden siting:

  • size of plot
  • the sun's angle
  • flood-prone
  • soil condition
  • best growing times
  • what to plant
  • critter control
  • initial costs
  • water source
  • size of plot
  • the sun's angle
  • flood-prone
  • soil condition
  • best growing times
  • what to plant
  • critter control
  • initial costs
  • water source

What Am I Growing in My Garden Right Now?

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes and white potatoes growing by my garden fence

I have made a tiny start to getting the garden going—here's a photo of two sweet potatoes that are producing vines already, and a white potato on the left.

My gardener friend, John M, says after blooming, wait a month, and dig 'em up!

Handy Herb Garden

Rosemary, Basil, and Italian Parsley in a hanging wall basket

Here's my little handy herb garden, right outside the front door!

I have Rosemary, Basil, and Italian Parsley. I use fresh herbs in our recipes!

Pineapple Starting to Grow

pineapple growing from the cut-off top of a pineapple

It's very simple to grow pineapples too—after slicing off the top, plant it in a shallow hole and cover it with soil, leaving the neck visible.

Two years later—voila—your very own pineapple! So sweet and juicy too! See how to dehydrate pineapple here.

See This Clever Greenhouse Made from Recycled Windows

Folks! You've GOT to check out this amazing "made from odds'n'ends" greenhouse - and what makes it super special is its location! It gets lots of sun, has easy "out of the rain" access, and is underneath a wrap-around deck!

Greenhouse built from recycled windows, situated beneath a deck.

Check out Bev's smart use of space beneath an upper-story deck... Her recycled greenhouse is built around the use of some recycled windows!

Garden and Compost Bin – FAQs

Where should I place my compost bin?

Put your compost bin close to the garden for easy access but far enough from your home to avoid smells. Choose a well-drained, partially shaded spot.

What can I safely compost at home?

Compost fruit and veggie scraps, coffee grounds, tea bags, eggshells, and yard clippings. Avoid meat, dairy, oils, pet waste, and anything processed.

Do I need two compost bins?

Having two bins makes composting easier—you can turn and aerate your pile by flipping it from one bin to the other.

Does composting really reduce household waste?

Yes! Up to 30% of household waste can be composted, reducing landfill strain and cutting down on your need for commercial fertilizers.

Thanks for stopping by! Starting with a garden and compost bin may seem like a lot, but even a few scraps and one raised bed can make a huge difference. Your plants will love the nutrient-rich compost, and you’ll feel great knowing you’re repurposing food waste instead of tossing it out.

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