Ever wonder what your kitchen scraps are capable of? Instead of tossing them in the trash, you can turn them into nutrient-rich compost that improves soil, nourishes plants, and supports a healthier garden. In Florida, sandy soils and year-round gardening make adding organic matter especially beneficial for water retention, nutrient balance, and overall plant health.
Why composting helps your garden
Composting transforms everyday waste into a natural soil booster. It enriches soil, reduces the need for chemical fertilizers, retains moisture, and supports a thriving garden ecosystem. When done properly, compost also helps mulch and beds last longer and keeps plants looking their best.
How to choose the right location
Pick a well-drained, level spot that gets some sun but isn’t in full blast all day. It should be easy to access for adding materials and turning the pile. For a tidier setup, you can use a framed pit made from pallets or lumber. A thoughtfully chosen location makes the compost decompose efficiently and keeps maintenance simple.
What you’ll need
Start with a mix of organic greens and browns. Greens include kitchen scraps, grass clippings, and fresh garden trimmings. Browns provide structure and balance and can include dried leaves, shredded newspaper, small sticks, or even mulch if natural litter is scarce. For mulch, choose untreated wood like cypress mulch or pine bark to avoid chemicals. You’ll also need basic tools like a shovel or pitchfork, garden gloves, and optionally a compost thermometer. For sandy or poor soils, adding a little garden soil or compost at the base helps improve drainage and nutrient content.
How to build your compost pit
Decide on a size. A 3x3-foot pit works well for most backyards, but larger piles are fine if you have more yard waste.
Prepare the base by loosening the soil slightly or adding a 2-inch layer of coarse materials to improve drainage. A small amount of garden soil can help if your soil is very sandy or compacted. Layer the materials by alternating greens and browns, using mulch if sticks or leaves are limited.
The pile should feel like a wrung-out sponge—moist but not soggy.
Turn it every 1–2 weeks to aerate and speed decomposition.
Within 2–4 months, depending on temperature and moisture, the compost should be dark, crumbly, and earthy-smelling—ready to use in your garden.
How to maintain your compost pit
Keep the pile moist but not waterlogged, adding garden soil, sand, or mulch if it becomes too wet or dense. Turn regularly to prevent compaction and cover during heavy rain to avoid nutrient runoff. Avoid adding meat, dairy, or diseased plants to reduce pests and odors.
Putting your compost to work
Once your compost is ready, mix it into flower beds, vegetable gardens, or around shrubs. Layer it under mulch for trees to enrich the soil, or refresh container plants with a top layer for a nutrient boost. Following this approach gives your plants a strong foundation for healthy growth while reducing waste.
Liberty Landscape Supply is Northeast Florida’s full-service garden center and landscape partner with four retail locations serving Jacksonville (North Main Street and San Jose Boulevard), Fernandina Beach, and St. Augustine, plus delivery across the region. From plants, trees, soil, mulch, rock, and gravel to hardscapes, pottery, lighting, irrigation, design support, and expert advice, Liberty helps homeowners and pros plan, shop, and install with confidence — making landscape projects easy.
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