It’s important to think about where to put your compost pile because it can affect how well and quickly you compost. When I first started composting, I quickly learned that where you put your pile does matter for getting good compost.
This ultimate guide will show you all the important things you need to think about when picking the best spot for your compost pile or bin. You will learn the best ways to place your compost so that it can break down properly, no matter how big or small your garden is.
Key Considerations For Compost Pile Placement
When determining the optimal spot, keep these key considerations in mind:
Accessibility – The compost pile should be relatively close to your house and easy to get to This makes it more convenient to transfer kitchen scraps and other waste materials frequently
Sun Exposure – Your compost benefits from partial sunlight, which helps heat the pile. Avoid overly shady or excessively sunny spots.
Moisture – Situate the pile near a water source like a hose or rain barrel to maintain proper moisture levels.
Drainage – Choose a level area with well-draining soil so your compost doesn’t get waterlogged
Air Circulation – Prevent strong winds from drying out the pile by placing it in a sheltered spot.
Temperature – Moderate temps are ideal. Avoid placing compost in extremely cold or hot locations.
Space – Leave room to access all sides of the pile and have elbow room for turning,
Closeness to Plants—Place the pile near flowerbeds or vegetable gardens to make moving the finished compost easy.
Distance from Buildings—Leave a few feet of space between the compost and buildings to keep pests away.
10 Tips For Picking The Perfect Compost Spot
Follow these top tips when selecting where to situate your compost pile or bin:
1. Near a Water Source
Having a nearby hose, spigot or rain barrel makes it simple to add water as needed to maintain ideal moisture levels. Situate your pile or bin within reach of a water source.
2. Partially Shaded Area
While compost benefits from some sun exposure, too much direct sunlight can dry it out. Dappled sun filtering through tree branches is optimal.
3. Accessible from Your House
Choose a spot near a door or along a garden path for convenient transfer of kitchen scraps to the outdoor compost pile.
4. Well-Draining Ground
Excess moisture can lead to anaerobic conditions. Pick a spot where the ground slopes slightly to promote drainage.
5. Sheltered From Wind
Avoid placing your compost in windy sites where covers could blow away and contents dry out faster. Seek sheltered spots.
6. Moderate Temperatures
Extreme cold will slow decomposition; extreme heat dries out contents. Pick an area with moderate temps for peak performance.
7. Adequate Working Space
Leave room to access all sides of an open pile, plus space to stand, turn, and remove finished compost.
8. Near Garden Beds
For easy transport, situate compost pile/bin close to vegetable and flower gardens where finished compost will be used.
9. 10+ Feet From Buildings
Locate pile away from structures to prevent moisture issues and deter pests. Aim for at least 10 feet of clearance.
10. On Soil, Not Pavement
Situate your compost right on top of soil so that liquids can drain away properly as contents decompose.
5 Common Compost Pile Placement Mistakes To Avoid
When selecting your compost site, be sure to steer clear of these common composting faux pas:
-
Under a tree – Roots will steal nutrients and water from your compost.
-
Against the house – Can cause moisture damage and attract pests.
-
On concrete or pavement – Won’t allow proper drainage.
-
In low, compacted areas – Can lead to waterlogging.
-
Too far from water source – Makes it inconvenient to hydrate pile when dry.
Compost Bin vs. Open Pile: Different Considerations
There are some differences in ideal placement between compost piles and enclosed compost bins:
Compost Piles
-
Need more working space around pile
-
Prone to drying out
-
Can be unsightly
Compost Bins
-
More containment of scraps/smells
-
Often have bottoms, preventing drainage
-
Less space needed around bin
-
Can be decorative or discreet
For enclosed compost bins, drainage is a main concern since many bins sit atop solid bottoms. Elevate bins or drill drainage holes if needed. With open piles, focus more on air circulation and sun exposure.
5 Tips For Small Space Composting
Even with limited room, you can find a suitable home for your compost. Follow these tips:
-
Use a smaller compost bin or tumbler
-
Build the pile vertically to conserve ground space
-
Locate beside a fence or wall
-
Compost in layers directly in garden beds
-
Stash under bushes or surround with plants
Get creative with vertical stacking, multi-use spaces, and compact bins or tumblers to accommodate composting in any size yard.
Ideal Compost Locations Summarized
To recap, here are some prime spots to consider for your compost pile:
- Along a garden path
- In a garden corner
- Next to a storage shed
- By vegetable garden beds
- Near the chicken coop
- Behind the garage
- Under a tree (away from trunk)
- Between raised beds
- Adjacent to compost bins
And locations to typically avoid:
- Near patio or deck
- Against house walls
- In low, wet spots
- On paved surfaces
- Too far from water
- In very shady areas
- Near property lines
Start Composting The Right Way
Now that you know where to effectively site your compost pile or bin, you can start composting the right way. Proper placement sets your compost up for success, allowing for faster decomposition to produce rich, usable compost. Give your compost the ideal home using the tips and advice in this guide. With a little trial and error, you’ll find the perfect composting spot for your unique space and needs. Happy composting!
Don’t put it too close to your neighbors
If you offer your neighbors food and eggs as a reward, like I do, you might not want to put your compost too close to their house. If you get the conditions right, your compost shouldn’t smell too much, but let’s face it, things can go wrong sometimes! If your compost does go into anaerobic mode and starts smelling, it’s best to have some distance between it and your neighbor’s noses.
Transport around the garden
It is a good idea to site bins close to vegetable beds.
If you have a large garden, you ideally want your pile or bin to be situated in the middle of it. This will allow you to easily transport materials to the pile and compost to your beds.
It’s also worth thinking about where most of your effort goes into the garden. For example, in my own garden, my vegetable beds and polytunnel get a lot more attention than the flower beds! If you have multiple beds, it might be worth siting them in the middle to minimize transport time from any one part of the garden.
Mine bins are situated at the bottom of the garden, close to my vegetable beds. It’s also next to my polytunnel, which has raised beds that require a lot of compost.
5 Composting Myths You Should Stop Believing Right Now
FAQ
Should a compost pile be in sun or shade?
A compost pile can be placed in either sun or shade, but shade is generally preferred, especially in warmer climates, to help maintain moisture and prevent the pile from drying out too quickly.
Where should you place your compost?
The compost bin should be close to your plants or garden for easy access and near your kitchen for convenience. Also, make sure there’s a nearby tap or hose for watering. A good balance of sun and shade is best, but if you must pick one, choose shade.
Where should I put composter?
If possible, keep the compost bin out of the wind and in a well-lit, well-drained part of the garden.
Where should a compost bin be placed?
Place your bin directly on the ground so that any liquid that forms during the composting process can drain away. This liquid is called leachate. Setting the bin on paving or a hard surface is not the best solution. When choosing the location for your compost bin, look for puddles after a rainstorm.
How do you make a compost pile in a garden?
To start, aside a space in the garden for a compost pile or to place a compost bin, and add organic materials. You will need to learn what can be composted to maintain a healthy pile.
Where should I put my compost pile?
Position your pile in a sheltered, protected area out of the wind. Near a garage, house wall or solid fence helps block cold gusts. This insulation allows microbial activity to continue breaking down your compost. 9. Stay away from big trees. Some shade is fine, but you should avoid big trees with deep roots when you’re picking out a spot.
How do I choose a compost area?
Let’s start! This may be the only difficult decision you have to make when you are getting into home compost: deciding on your compost style. Compost areas can range from free compost piles, requiring only a cleared space in a sunny corner of the garden, or a basic compost trash can, to a fancy bin that you can rotate costing hundreds.
Should you put a compost bin on a garden path?
Don’t place the compost bin or pile itself on along gardening paths. Having to walk around the bin for any purpose other than managing it is just going to cost you time, effort, and annoyance. Tom has lived and worked on farms and homesteads from the Carolinas to Kentucky and beyond.
How do I choose the best compost bin?
Compost areas can range from free compost piles, requiring only a cleared space in a sunny corner of the garden, or a basic compost trash can, to a fancy bin that you can rotate costing hundreds. When choosing the best compost bin, most of us draw the line somewhere between.