How to Make a Backyard Compost Heap

One way to have a more lush, green garden is by composting. A compost heap will help you grow beautiful plants, fruits, and vegetables. You will also help the environment when you compost, since less of your trash ends up in landfills.

Things You'll Need

• Shovel
• Plastic garbage can with a lid
• Scissors or box knife
• Kitchen scraps and paper

Instructions

1. Determine where in your yard you would like to make your compost heap. Dig a hole about two feet deep and wide enough to place the plastic garbage can inside.

2. Slice out the bottom of the plastic garbage can. Place the can inside the hole. Some of the can (about half is common) will stick out of the top of the hole.

3. Fill the compost heap with brown and green garbage, layering as you go. Start with a brown layer, which includes dry leaves, shredded newspaper, and sawdust. Add a green layer, which includes kitchen scraps such as fruit and vegetable peelings or pieces, egg shells, coffee grounds or grass clippings, although you don't want to use too many grass clippings as they take a long time to compost.

4. Sprinkle liberally with water and place the garbage can lid on your new compost heap. Use a shovel to turn the composting material on a weekly basis.

5. Add your compost to your garden once it is dry, crumbly and no longer emits heat.

Tips & Warnings

• Manure from vegetarian animals is a good addition for your compost heap.

• Don't make your compost heap too close to your house, as there may be some odor, especially if you use manure.

• Watch for rodents or other critters in your compost heap!