O·Müll

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Garden & compost

Collect suitable scraps, observe a compost pile, and care for garden equipment. Choose an approach that fits your space and local conditions.

Wooden compost bin in a gardenGarden & compost

Choosing a site for a compost bin

Plan compost access, working space, water, and nearby uses before buying a bin or building an enclosure in the first available corner of the yard.

Leaves and organic material in compostGarden & compost

Balancing dry and fresh compost materials

Build a useful supply of dry material and combine it with everyday food scraps. Organize your compost ingredients around what your household produces.

Hands holding dark compostGarden & compost

Checking moisture in a compost pile

Check more than the surface before adding water to compost. Compare several areas, make a small adjustment, and look for the cause of recurring problems.

A gardener with a fork beside a compost pileGarden & compost

Adding air to a compost pile

Match compost aeration to your bin, tools, and available working space. Check compacted areas and plan larger turning jobs before moving heavy material.

Dry leaves on the groundGarden & compost

Making leaf mold in a separate pile

Give fall leaves a dedicated place and plan how you will use the material later. Keep new leaves separate from older batches and allow a flexible timeline.

Fresh grass clippings on a lawnGarden & compost

Managing grass clippings in thin layers

Decide where grass clippings will go before mowing. Match the amount to the available space, check lawn treatments, and avoid accumulating dense piles.

Earthworms in a handful of soilGarden & compost

Planning a suitable place for a worm bin

Check year-round conditions and maintenance access before buying a worm bin. Allow room to open it, plan for absences, and retain a route for extra scraps.

Food scrap bin in a kitchen cabinetGarden & compost

Choosing a kitchen food-scrap caddy

Choose a kitchen scrap container around its collection route, emptying routine, and ease of cleaning rather than capacity alone.

Plant material in a compost pileGarden & compost

Using odors to troubleshoot compost

Use changes in smell as a reason to check moisture, material, and airflow, then make a clear adjustment rather than masking a compost problem.