In my experience, however, things never arrange themselves that conveniently. Start by putting some browns on the bottom and wetting them down. Then mix up what is left and throw it on top, steadily adding to the heap as you clean out the garden, rake leaves, collect manure and bring out the kitchen collection of coffee grounds, salad makings and egg shells. I keep a tightly lidded pot under the sink, so that I only have to cart kitchen waste out to the heap every other day. Eventually, the pile will be three or four feet tall or the container you've made or purchased will be full, and you'll have to start another pile so that this one can be left alone to decompose.
Many commercial models have three compartments for the very same reason.
All of these can be composted, but require special, very specific treatment that is not usually duplicated in home piles. Next week I'll discuss aeration and moisture. Your garden and the environment will be a better place for your efforts. Linden Staciokas has gardened in Alaska for more than two decades. Questions about gardening can be addressed to her at P.O. Box 72884, Fairbanks, AK 99707.