Composting isn’t just about creating nutrient rich soil for your garden.

It’s also about reducing our waste that ends up in landfills. Anyone can start composting even if it is on a small scale like those that live in apartments or condos can use compost for their potted plants. Every little bit helps. Composting isn’t an exact science, but there are certain components, tips and tricks that avid composters use to create the best end results possible. Below are 10 helpful tips to get you on your way to successful composting.

1. Selecting the right bin or container: Once you have decided what you will be composting, then you can decide on the bin or container. If you will be including kitchen scraps, then you need a bin that keeps out rodents and other unwanted critters. Size matters in composting, for best results plan your compost pile to be no smaller than 3′ x 3′ x 3′. Also consider using two composters instead of one. You can be filling one while the other one is busy “cooking” when it’s time to empty one they can switch roles.

2. Place your compost in the sun: For faster composting, place your bin in a sunny location. If need be partial sun will work but it will take longer.

3. Balance your ingredients: Vary the materials that you add to your compost. Microorganisms breaking down your compost need a balance of carbon and nitrogen in order to thrive. Carbon is found in brown materials such as dead leaves, dry hay, wood chips and shredded newspaper. Nitrogen comes form green materials such as grass clippings, food scraps and manure. These key ingredients can either be alternated in thin layers or thrown in together and mixed well.

4. Aerate your compost: The bacteria that break down the organic contents of your compost pile require air to thrive. If you have a tumbler, then all you need to do is turn it regularly. Otherwise you will need a stick, pole or shovel to move things around.

5. Check the temperature: The ideal temperature range for your compost pile is between 120 – 160 degrees F. Decomposition is accelerated and weed seeds and pathogenic organisms are killed at this temperature range. Decomposition still occurs at a lower temperature but it takes longer.

6. Add fluid to your compost: As you construct the pile, dampen each layer as you add it especially if you are adding thing like sawdust. You want to just moisten your compost. If your pile gets too wet, it will stop ‘cooking’ and you can wash away nutrients. During the rainy season or if you are in a rainy climate, protect your pile from the elements with a tarp or small roof.

7. Cover up waste: Keep a clear bag of leaves or other brown material next to the compositor so you can always cover new waste additions. The smell of kitchen scraps will be masked so that your compost pile will not attract critters and it will help keep the fly population down.

8. Worms are helpful: If you find a worm while you’re gardening carefully relocate it you your compost bin. Worms will help break down wastes in your compost pile. Don’t throw away your used coffee ground. Instead throw them in the compost, worms love to decompose coffee grounds.

9. Kitchen aids: Keep a lidded container in your kitchen for kitchen waste and empty into composter a few times a week, rather than having to run out to the compost pile a few times a day. It’s also helpful to keep a list of what can and cannot be composted inside one of you cupboard doors for quick reference.

10. How to tell when your compost is done: Finished compost should look and smell like rich, dark soil. You should be able to recognize any of the items that you put in your pile. Compost ends up at less than half the volume of the materials you started with but it is usually quite a bit denser.