A Crash Course in Composting Composting is like cooking, with many recipes and variations. Browns are dry materials such as wood chips, dried leaves, grass and other plants. Collect as many browns and greens as you can to start your compost pile.
Larger piles tend to hold moisture better and decompose faster.
Place approximately equal amounts of browns and greens in a heap or bin. Always cover food scraps with other composting materials. Cover pile with tarp or other material to keep moisture in and prevent oversoaking from rain. Mix the pile by turning and stirring. Soak the pile once a week.