Composting. That mysterious process by which plant parts and animal leavings rot or decompose with the help of fungi, bacteria, and other microorganisms. Resulting in a marvelous, rich, and crumbly layer of organic matter called compost. Compost encourages the growth of earthworms and other beneficial organisms, provides nutrients, and improves the soil. Wet clay soils drain better and sandy soils hold more moisture if amended with compost. A compost pile keeps organic matter handy for garden use.

Start with a layer of chopped leaves, grass clippings and kitchen waste like banana peels, eggshells, old lettuce leaves, apple cores, coffee grounds, and whatever else is available. Keep adding materials until you have a six-inch layer, then cover it with three to six inches of soil, manure, or finished compost.

Alternate layers of organic matter and layers of soil or manure until the pile is about three feet tall. A pile that is three feet tall by three feet square will generate enough heat during decomposition to sterilize the compost. This makes it useful as a potting soil, top-dressing for lawns, or soil-improving additive.

Your compost pile may benefit from an activator. Activators get the pile working, and speed the process. Alfalfa meal, barnyard manure, bonemeal, cottonseed meal, blood meal, and good rich compost from a finished pile are all good activators. Each time you add a layer to your pile, sprinkle on some activator and water well.

Keep the pile in a semi-shaded area to keep it from drying out too much. If your pile is near a tree, turn it frequently to make sure the tree roots don't grow into it. Make an indentation in the top to hold water and sprinkle with a garden hose when it appears dry. Keep it moist, but not wet. Beneficial organisms cannot survive in soggy conditions. Your compost pile should not have a foul odor. If your compost pile does have a strong odor, try turning it more often. Odors are often caused by poor air circulation or by a pile that is too tightly packed.

Many elaborate compost bins are manufactured these days. Some of these have devices for turning and removing compost. Although these bins make turning easier and are more convenient, they aren't necessary. An enclosure made from chicken wire or five wood pallets (one for the bottom and one for each side) will do the job just as well.

What to Compost

• Kitchen waste
• Lawn clippings (use thin layers so they don't mat down)
• Chopped leaves (large leaves take a long time to break down)
• Shredded branches
• Garden plants (use disease-free plants)
• Shredded paper
• Weeds (before they go to seed)
• Hay or straw
• Newspaper

What Not to Compost

• Orange and other citrus peels
• Meat scraps and other fatty trash
• Excessive wood ashes (counteracts with manure; sawdust generally slows the decomposition of the pile)

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