Compost is one of the easiest and most productive aspects of gardening. It requires little maintenance yet produces amazing results. In fact, my compost pile grows all sorts of plants without me lifting a finger. I’ve grown compost chickpeas, and squash, tomatoes and beans. All sorts of jewels grow themselves in the heart of my pile.

The list goes on, but trust me, I do very little when it comes to composting, other than faithfully dumping my kitchen scraps and fall leaves. With spring upon us, now is the best time to start a pile, if you haven’t already done so.

What is Compost?

Compost is the mixture of decomposed remnants of organic matter (those with plants and animal origins) used to improve soil structure and provide nutrients.

Basically, a compost pile consists of plants, lawn clippings, kitchen scraps and the like. Formed into a pile and turned occasionally, nature takes its course and the materials break down. We add compost to our garden soil because it provides nutrition for vigorous plant growth, improves soil structure by creating aeration, increases the ability of soil to retain water, moderates soil pH, and encourages microorganisms whose activities contribute to the overall health of plants.

How to Make Compost

Simply begin with a sunny spot in your backyard, or you can buy a self-contained compost bin from the store. You can also make a raised compost bin by forming walls with chicken wire. Seems a bit too much work for me, but to each his own. Next, you allow Mother Nature to take over.

Air + Water + Carbon + Nitrogen = Compost

Like most living things, the bacteria that decompose organic matter, and the other creatures that make up the compost ecosystem, need air. We occasionally turn our compost pile to ensure good air flow throughout. These microbes also need the right amount of water; think “wrung out” sponge. If too wet or too dry, optimum conditions for bacteria activity will not be met and decomposition will be slowed or halted.

What not to compost?

Diseased plants, weeds gone to seed, coal ashes, dog/cat manure, lawn clippings that may contain herbicides.

All you need to decide on is location and Mother Nature will take care of the rest. Find a spot away from the house with lots of sun and not under any sort of cover. You want the sun and rain to do their part.