Getting started with composting can be confusing and complicated. There are a ton of resources available online and in print, but the amount of information can be overwhelming. This is a simplified guide for easy composting, plus resources for more information.

Here are 8 easy steps to begin and maintain your compost pile. 

1. Build or buy a large compost bin for outside, and find a bucket or covered container for in the kitchen.Chicken wire or pallets work well for building your own, but if you want something already made or are composting in a very small space, check out these options- compost bin

2. There are differing opinions on what the magic ratio is for composting. Anywhere from 10-30 parts of brown matter should be used for 1 part of green matter. This is not an exact science, but keep in mind that brown matter weighs a lot less than green matter-so just make sure there is plenty of brown matter to balance out the green (otherwise you will have a very stinky pile).

3. Brown matter: dry leaves, pine needles, shredded newspaper or cardboard, hay, sawdust Green matter: grass clippings, kitchen waste, weeds

4. Unless you buy one of those fancy tumblers, you will need to either turn or layer your compost. Turning is pretty self-explanatory. Use a pitchfork to mix your pile around. If you find dry spots, water them. To do the "lasagna method" (layering compost) start with a good layer of sticks (to properly aerate your pile), then add a layer of brown matter. As green matter becomes available, add it to the middle of the pile, then when you have about an inch or so, add another layer of brown, and so on.

5. Water your pile. Depending on how much rainfall you have, your pile will need to be watered occasionally to keep it moist (but don't soak it).

6. Your best friend when it comes to composting is TIME. Unless you are hardcore about composting and you get a really hot pile going, it will take a few months to a whole season to get good compost.Compost is ready to use when you cannot recognize any of the ingredients that were added to it.

7. What NOT to put in your compost pile: Meat scraps, fatty or sugary foods, lawn clippings that contain herbicides, sawdust from treated wood, manure from carnivorous animals (humans, dogs, cats, etc.)

8. If your pile is too wet or contains too much green matter, it will get stinky. If this happens, aerate the pile and add more brown matter.

Resources for more information

http://www.motherearthnews.com/Organic-Gardening.aspx

http://www.compostguide.com/

Vermicomposting = composting with WORMS! http://journeytoforever.org/compost_worm.html

Books- Let it Rot! The Gardener's Guide to Composting , Composting: A Practical Step by Step Guide