Ready-made bins are one option for backyard composting.

Backyard composting is an easy way to make use of yard and kitchen waste.

Step 1: Select your spot. A dry shady spot with a water supply nearby is best. Locate your pile at least 2 feet from any structure to keep composting critters at bay. Ideally, your compost pile should be 3 feet square by 3 feet deep to allow for optimal heat buildup in the center of the pile.

Step 2: Choose your structure. Yard trimmings and vegetable food waste can be composted in a well-managed free standing pile. An enclosed bin will help keep unwanted critters out of the mix. Homemade bins can be constructed from scrap wood, chicken wire, fencing or even old garbage cans with holes punched into the sides and bottom. Ready-made bins or tumblers are available at your local hardware or garden store.

Step 3: Prepare your pile. Chop or shred any large pieces of matter. Begin with a 2-inch layer of brown material such as dry leaves, twigs, saw dust, fireplace ashes, hair, fur, shredded newspaper, cardboard and even cotton or wool rags. Add a 6-inch layer of green material, including grass and plant trimmings, fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds and tea bags. Top with an inch of finished compost or soil. Continue to build your pile in lasagna-like layers, keeping the mix at a ratio of three parts green to one part brown. Add an inch of soil or finished compost for each 8 to 9 inches of organic material.

Step 4: Add water and air. The compost pile should be as moist as a wrung-out sponge. It should also be light and airy enough to allow circulation throughout the pile. Use a pitch fork to lightly mix and aerate your pile.

Step 5: Add brown and green organic materials to the pile as they become available. Mix the new materials into the center of the pile where they will decompose faster. Stop adding to your pile once it reaches the ideal size and start a new pile following the same procedure, if desired.

Step 6: Turn your pile every two weeks or whenever the pile’s temperature begins to drop. Move dry material from the edges of the pile into the center. Add water when necessary to maintain proper moisture throughout the pile. If your pile starts to smell, chances are it is too moist or is not getting enough air circulation. Add dry brown organic material to combat this problem. If your pile is not heating up in the middle, it may be too small or too dry. Add green organic material to correct this issue.