Composting is the process that turns discarded organic matter into nutrient rich natural fertilizer. Compost is also a very good soil building material that helps retain moisture and reduce erosion.

This is a great way to recycle and transform organic materials. And the process is easy. Compost consists of  grass clippings, fallen leaves, food peeling, coffee grounds, eggshells, animal manure and even leftovers, like cabbage etc.

The odor of compost is a common concern, which is due the different requirements of the bacteria in the compost pile, but this can easily be overcome by turning the pile at regular intervals. Good compost should have an earthy aroma. If not, you need to increase your turning of the pile.

Some things should not be placed in a compost pile. Diseased plants, perennial weeds,(dandelion) or grass which had been sprayed with weed killer.

You can put in your organic matter in any order, but layering the material will allow faster processing.

The pile can be placed in the sun or the shade. The sunlight will speed up the process, but you must remember to keep it moist. There are compost bins on sale, or you may wish to build one yourself. The bin keeps the pile tidy and if it is a rotary barrel, turning your compost will be very easy. However, the bin is not an absolute necessity, and the exercise of turning will only do you good.

Admittedly the bin will complete the task in a few months, whereas Mother Nature will take considerably longer.

The choice is yours, but, whatever the method used, the final result will be well worth it, and there will be that much less rubbish to dump. You will also have made your contribution to recycling!