Types

• There are two main ways to compost garden materials--vermicomposting, which uses worms, and traditional composting, which relies on nature and time to decompose materials. Composting containers may either be completely enclosed, such as plastic bins or metal barrels, or more exposed to the elements, such as a wooden pallet box or wire enclosure.
  
  

Materials

• Carbon-rich materials are called "brown" and are usually dry and decompose slowly. They are often wood-based and include straw, dried leaves, branches, twigs, wood chips and sawdust. Nitrogen-rich materials are considered "green." They have a high moisture content and are quick to decompose. Examples are manure, inorganic fertilizer, vegetable kitchen scraps, green leaves, weeds and grass clippings. "Green" and "brown" do not necessarily refer to the color; coffee grounds, for example, are a nitrogen source, and so are considered "green."
  
  

Ratios

• Keep a ratio of garden materials of 30 parts "brown" (carbon) to 1 part "green" (nitrogen).
  
  

Care

• Keep the compost mixture at about the dampness of a wrung-out wet sponge. Add more water when necessary and turn the compost materials every few days to encourage decomposition.
  
  

Warnings

• Although many table scraps are appropriate to add to a compost pile, avoid adding dairy or meat products, which may attract pests and cause a foul odor.