Composting is a natural decomposition process that turns organic materials into a humus rich soil amendment known as compost. Leaves, grass clippings, weeds, and other yard and vegetable trimmings can all be composted. Depending on how much attention you devote to your compost pile, it can take as little as two weeks to as much as a year to generate compost. Most households can have finished compost in about 3 months. Your basic compost pile needs browns, greens, water, and oxygen.
Browns are dry materials such as wood chips, dried leaves, dried grass, and other plants.
Greens are fresh moist materials, such as fresh grass cuttings and kitchen food scraps. Chop equal amounts of greens and browns into small pieces and place them in a pile. Add a handful of dirt, or some compost from a previous pile. Mix everything together and add enough water until you get the consistency of a well wrung out sponge. It should be damp to the touch but not dripping wet.