Choose a dry, level spot with good drainage
Start with a base layer of coarse brown materials like twigs or straw
Add a mix of green materials like fruit scraps, vegetable peels, and grass clippings
Add brown materials like dry leaves, shredded paper, and cardboard
Keep the pile roughly balanced between greens and browns
Chop or shred large materials to help them break down faster
Add water so the pile stays damp like a wrung-out sponge
Turn or mix the pile regularly to add air
Avoid meat, dairy, oily foods, and pet waste
Cover the pile if needed to retain moisture and reduce pests
Keep adding kitchen scraps and yard waste in layers
Wait until the material becomes dark, crumbly, and earthy-smelling