DIY Composting

Choose a discrete area for your compost in your backyard that is out of sight from your neighbors and areas of your yard that you use to entertain. Make sure this area has proper drainage, partial shade and good air circulation to encourage healthy decomposition of your compost.

Consider placing your compost close to your garden or flower bed to enable you to easily fertilize these areas with the decomposed compost material.

Build or purchase a bin to store the compost in if you wish. However, creating a compost pile without a storage container will work just as well.

Aim for a compost pile or bin that is approximately 3 feet long, 3 feet wide and 3 feet tall. This size is easy to manage and creates the right conditions for your compost to decompose properly.

Fill your compost with organic waste from your kitchen, garden and yard for best results. Some of these materials include cardboard, newspaper, fruit waste, pine needles, straw, grass clippings and coffee grounds.

Avoid putting meat, bones, diseased plants and pet droppings into the compost.