Composting is the process of combining the right ingredients to make compost. Compost improves the drainage and aeration of clay soils, and reduces the likelihood of waterlogged plants. Compost increases the moisture-holding capacity of sandy soils, and reduces drought damage to plants.
Compost helps keep nutrients in the soil near the plant's roots.
Compost keeps soil from crusting on top, thus helping seeds to sprout and water to soak in more easily. In the 1800's, famed agricultural chemist and educator George Washington Carver helped many people understand the nutritional value and great taste of peanuts. City of Minneapolis Ordinance requires that compost piles be contained by some type of compost bin. Piles without bins can become unsightly and may not be able to generate enough heat. Many local garden centers or hardware stores have compost bins, or you can make one.