ANYONE CAN COMPOST

Anyone can compost, and just about anything that once lived is suitable for composting.
 A compost pile doesn't have to be anything fancy. You don't need a special bin or container. Organic material will eventually break down into humus, no matter how or where it is stored. However, some sort of barrel, box or bin will keep your backyard compost pile tidier, keep the neighbors happier, and discourage rodents, flies, and other animal pests.
 There are dozens of composters available for the home gardener today.


Compost basics


Plant material can be turned into compost in as little as two weeks, or it can take as much as a year. The speed at which the decomposition occurs depends on the size of the material you are composting, The process is speeded up even further by keeping the pile moist and turning it regularly to expose all of the material to the air.
The natural process of composting is carried out by the thousands of micro-organisms which live naturally in soil. These organisms, like all living things, need food, air and water. They feed on the organic waste materials, converting it into compost. This process generates sufficient heat to keep the organisms going as well as killing off most harmful bacteria and weed seeds. As the organic matter is consumed, the available oxygen diminishes, and the temperature in the middle of the pile will begin to drop, slowing the process to a stop. Turning or stirring the pile frequently puts more oxygen into the pile and the heat will build again, speeding the process along. The pile should be kept moist, but never soggy.