Compost: it’s nature’s way of recycling. And in Malaysia, where we generate so much kitchen and garden waste, learning to compost at home is one of the best gifts you can give your plants — and the planet.
Whether you have a backyard, a small patio, or even just a balcony, you can easily start your own compost system using materials you already have. In this Project HARVEST guide, we’ll break it down step-by-step, with no fancy gadgets required.
💡 Why Compost?
✅ Cuts down waste: Less food and garden scraps go to the landfill.
✅ Free fertiliser: Rich in nutrients, perfect for edible gardens.
✅ Improves soil: Adds structure, moisture retention, and good microbes.
✅ Eco-friendly: Reduces methane emissions from landfills.
🛠 What You Need to Start (Malaysia Edition)
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| A bin or container | Old plastic pail, bucket, styrofoam box, or wooden crate |
| Kitchen scraps | Veggie peels, fruit waste, eggshells, coffee grounds |
| Brown material | Dry leaves, coconut husk, shredded newspaper, cardboard |
| Garden waste | Grass clippings, small twigs |
| Water | To moisten layers |
💡 Tip: Drill holes at the bottom and sides of your bin for airflow.
🧑🌾 How to Build Your Compost Pile (Step-by-Step)
1️⃣ Start With a Brown Layer
- Add dry leaves, shredded paper, coconut husk — this helps airflow and prevents smells.
2️⃣ Add Green Material
- Add kitchen scraps (chopped small breaks down faster).
- Avoid meat, dairy, oily foods — they attract pests.
3️⃣ Layer Like Lasagna
- Keep alternating brown and green layers. Aim for 2:1 ratio (more brown than green).
4️⃣ Moisten
- Sprinkle water lightly — think “damp sponge,” not “wet mop.”
5️⃣ Stir Every 1–2 Weeks
- Use a stick or trowel to mix layers and add air. This speeds up breakdown.
⏱ How Long Does Compost Take in Malaysia?
🌞 Hot, humid weather = fast compost!
- 1–2 months: if stirred regularly and well-balanced
- 3–6 months: if left on its own
Signs it’s ready?
Dark, crumbly, earthy smell. No identifiable food bits.
🛡️ Troubleshooting Smells & Pests
🚫 Smells bad?
- Too wet or too much green. Add more brown (dry leaves, cardboard).
🚫 Attracting flies?
- Bury kitchen scraps deeper. Always top with brown layer.
🚫 Ants?
- Compost is too dry. Sprinkle water + stir.
🌿 How to Use Your Compost
✅ Mix into potting soil before planting.
✅ Top-dress garden beds or pots (apply on top, let rain work it in).
✅ Use as mulch around plants.
🏡 Small Space Compost Options
👉 Balcony gardeners? Use sealed plastic bins with drilled holes.
👉 Apartment dwellers? Try mini bokashi bins or worm composting (vermiculture).
📸 Share Your Compost Journey!
When you build your bin or get your first batch of black gold, tag @projectharvest.my — we want to see your eco efforts!
Hashtags:#CompostMY #ZeroWasteGarden #ProjectHarvestMY #GardenGold
🌈 Final Thoughts: Small Bin, Big Impact
Composting isn’t complicated — it’s just about working with nature. And once you see your plants thrive on your homegrown compost, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start sooner.
So go ahead — save those peels, build that bin, and watch your garden (and the planet) thank you 🌿♻️