As the days grow shorter and the leaves begin to fall, your yard is likely filling up with autumn’s colorful mess. Instead of bagging it all up for the curb, why not put those leaves and yard clippings to good use? Composting is one of the easiest (and most sustainable) ways to recycle fall debris into a rich, nutrient-packed soil amendment that will feed your garden for years to come.

Here’s how you can turn autumn waste into garden gold.

Fall naturally provides the perfect balance of “browns” (carbon-rich materials) and “greens” (nitrogen-rich materials) for your compost pile. Leaves, straw, and dried plant matter combine beautifully with grass clippings, kitchen scraps, and spent annuals. Starting your pile now means you’ll have a head start on rich compost to use in spring.

*Composting helps keep leaves and yard waste out of landfills, reducing methane emissions and making your home more eco-friendly.*

What to Compost from Autumn Clean-Up

Leaves – shredded leaves break down faster than whole ones.
Grass clippings – add nitrogen, but mix them with leaves to prevent matting.
Garden leftovers – spent annuals, veggie plant stalks, pulled weeds (seed-free).
Pumpkins & gourds – after Halloween and Thanksgiving, toss them into the pile (without paint or glitter).
Kitchen scraps – fruit and veggie peels, coffee grounds, tea bags.

Avoid: diseased plants, meat, dairy, oily foods, and pet waste.

How to Build the Perfect Fall Compost Pile

Choose your spot – a sunny or partly shaded area with good drainage.
Layer it up – alternate between “browns” (leaves, straw, shredded cardboard) and “greens” (grass clippings, veggie scraps).
Keep it moist – your pile should feel like a damp sponge, not soggy.
Turn it regularly – aerating every 1–2 weeks speeds up decomposition.
Insulate for winter – cover with a tarp or add extra leaves around the pile to keep the microbes active longer.

This fall, don’t let your leaves go to waste—literally. With a little effort, you can recycle autumn’s abundance into something that nourishes your garden, supports the environment, and saves you money. Composting is truly one of the best fall traditions you can start.