Set Up

Setting up a backyard composter is a pain-free process, following these simple steps:

1. Pick a location. Place your bin or pile in an earthy, well-drained, sunny spot, preferably a few metres away from any conifer trees. Make sure your composter is easily accessible, or you may forget to use it!
2. Dig down and build up. Compost needs help from the soil's microorganisms, so remove sod and turn up the soil in your location. Your composter can be a simple pile, a commercially purchased container, or a simple construction of shipping pallets. All of these methods will work, however a black plastic composter has the benefit of retaining heat and moisture, helping to speed up the process. Whichever way you choose, keep the pile approximately 1 cubic meter in size.
3. Fill 'er up! Add a thin layer of twigs or shredded cardboard to help the air flow to your pile, then start composting!

Follow this simple "recipe" for successful composting.
1. Materials should be added in layers, with 2 parts green to 1 part brown materials.

Green materials are rich in nitrogen. This includes most kitchen waste, coffee grounds as well as fresh grass clippings.
Brown materials are rich in carbon. This includes most yard waste--leaves, twigs and dry grass.

2. Keep the pile moist, but not wet. The pile should feel like a wrung-out sponge, not muddy.
3. Stirring or "turning" the pile every 10 days or so adds air to the materials, speeding up the process. This doesn't need to be complicated: simply use a garden fork, spade or other tool, and give it a stir.
4. Adding a scoop of soil between layers will re-introduce micro-organisms to the middle of the pile.

Your compost is ready to use when it reaches a rich, dark colour, and materials are no longer individually distinguishable.