Tip of the week

Grow a Compost-Ready Corner: Easy starters for seniors

Composting pile with leafy greens in garden

Set up a simple, accessible compost area with a sturdy bin on level ground. Use kitchen scraps like fruit peels, coffee grounds, and shredded paper. Turn lightly with a fork every week to aerate and speed up decomposition.

Keep the site gentle on the eyes with a soft-green palette and label bins clearly to encourage regular use and reduce waste.

Read the full composting guide for step-by-step instructions, troubleshooting, and seasonal tips.

Practical tips

Daily tips for a thriving, low-stress garden

Tip 1: Morning watering – Water at dawn to minimize evaporation and keep leaves dry overnight.
Tip 2: Mulch wisely – A 2–3 inch layer reduces weeds, retains moisture, and warms soil gradually.
Tip 3: Compost balance – Alternate greens and browns; add shredded paper for carbon and turn weekly.
Guides

Beginner’s guide to composting for seniors

Start with a compact bin on a stable stand. Layer green (kitchen scraps) with brown (dry leaves, paper) and keep it evenly moist. Turn with a long-handled garden fork every week for aeration.

What not to compost: meat, dairy, oily foods, and diseased plant matter. Use finished compost to enrich raised beds and container gardens.

For accessibility, place the bin near a seating area and choose a height that avoids bending. Label sections clearly to track progress.