In simple terms, post compost is decomposed plant matter intended to be used as a fertilizer or way to build up soil quality recycled as a fertilizer and soil amendment. It is a key concept in the organic farming movement. At a basic level composting is simply piling up certain types of waste, usually outdoors, turning it frequently, keeping it moist, and letting it sit for a period of time as it breaks down. In a fashion, this occurs naturally on any forest floor. Modern methods of composting are composed of a multi step process where the decomposition process is monitored with measured amounts of air, water, and nitrogen and carbon rich materials.

The natural decomposition process is enhanced by shredding plant matter, ensuring proper aeration by turning the compost mixture on a regular basis, keeping moisture levels up by regularly adding water. Other natural enhancements are utilized such as worms and fungi which helped break up the material at an accelerated rate. The reason for regular aeration of the compost pile is to enhance aerobic bacterial action, which create the chemical process of decomposition by converting some of the raw material into heat, ammonium and carbon dioxide. Bacteria further refine ammonium into nitrites and nitrates which act as fertilizer for plants.

Since the compost is rich in nutrients it is beneficial for use in landscaping, agriculture, horticulture, and gardening. In addition to acting as a fertilizer it conditions the soil and as vital humus and humic acids. It also has the ability to act as a natural pesticide for the soil. From an ecosystem perspective, post is an excellent tool for land and stream reclamation, wetland construction, and erosion control.
It's simple to create a compost pile at home. You can make one either outdoors or indoors depending upon your space constraints. You can utilize some food scraps - plant scraps - and yard trimmings that will build high-quality soil that you can utilize in your gardening efforts.

Composting requires three basic inputs:

• Browns — Materials such as dead leaves, branches, and twigs. Basically yard trimmings from bushes and trees.
• Greens — Materials such as grass clippings, vegetable waste, fruit scraps, and coffee grounds.
• Water.

Your compost pile should basically have equal amounts of brown and green material in alternating layers. It will help the decomposition process if it's cut up into small pieces. Brown materials help provide carbon which is at higher levels in the woody stems and branches. Green materials provide nitrogen. Water provides moisture needed to help breakdown the organic material.

At the end of this article is a list of materials you should compost and a list of materials that you should not compost. You may want to utilize one of the following approaches in creating a compost pile. There are ample resources available on the web as well.

Backyard Composting Approach One

Helpful Tools:

• Pitchfork
• Square-point shovel
• Water hose

1. Select a dry, shady spot near a water source for your compost pile or bin.
2. As you collect material to go into the compost pile add your brown and green materials in layers. Make sure larger pieces have been cut up either by shredding or chopping.
3. User water hose rural watering bucket to wet your brown and green layers as you add them.
4. Try to bury your green waste material, including vegetable food waste and fruits, under at least 10 inches of already composting material. You can lift up the older composting material with a pitchfork.
5. If you live in a dry or hot climate and haven't had rain in a while you can cover the top of the compost pile with a tarp of some type to help hold in moisture. When the material at the bottom is dark and rich in color, your compost is ready to use (this is usually occurs in two months to two years).

Backyard Composting Approach Two

1. Again, try to find a shaded area near water for your compost pile or bin.
2. Try to chop and shred your brown and green materials into smaller pieces.
3. Cover the area where the bottom of the bin with a 6-inch layer of brown materials.
4. Then add a 3-inch layer of green materials and a little soil or finished compost. If you're in an apartment or condominium you may need to buy some potting soil.
5. Lightly mix the two layers.
6. On top of this put it another 3 inch layer of brown material and then lightly water until the whole composition is moist.
7. Every one or two weeks turn the pile over with your pitchfork to allow an air and to ensure the pile remains moist. You'll notice that every week he will build up in the pile which is signaling healthy decomposition of the material. Keep turning the material until it no longer generates much heat.
8. The pile should be ready to use in one to four months depending upon local conditions and what materials have been added.

Indoor Composting

As has been shown you can create a compost pile inside. You will need a large container dedicated to this use. This can either be purchased or you can make one yourself. If you properly manage your indoor compost pile and should not attract any pasts and should not smell, much. The following is basically a cake recipe as it's constructed once and left to cook and he is generates. d Your Own Indoor Bin

1. You will need 2 rubber or plastic garbage cans - one slightly smaller than the other.
2. Take the larger of the plastic or rubber garbage cans and drill a few half-inch diameter holes in the bottom and sides.
3. Put a brick or large stone in the bottom of this large garbage can and then surround the brick or stone with wood chips. These can be purchased at a garden center. Now place a smaller garbage can on top of the brick or stone inside the larger garbage can.
4. Get some household insulation at a building center and wrap the outer can in it to keep the compost warm. Cover both of the cans with their lives.
5. Follow the instructions above on what types of materials to add and in what layers.
6. Your compost should be ready in 2 to 5 weeks.

What to Compost - The IN List

• Animal ( cow or horse) manure
• Cardboard rolls
• Clean paper
• Coffee grounds and filters
• Cotton rags
• Dryer and vacuum cleaner lint
• Eggshells
• Fireplace ashes
• Fruits and vegetables
• Grass clippings
• Hair and fur
• Hay and straw
• Houseplants
• Leaves
• Nut shells
• Sawdust
• Shredded newspaper
• Tea bags
• Wood chips
• Wool rags
• Yard trimmings

What Not to Compost - The OUT List

Leave Out/Reason Why

• Black walnut tree leaves or twigs/ Releases substances that might be harmful to plants
• Coal or charcoal ash/ Might contain substances harmful to plants
• Dairy products (e.g., butter, milk, sour cream, yogurt) and eggs/ Creates odor problems and attract pests such as rodents and flies
• Diseased or insect-ridden plants/ Diseases or insects might survive and be transferred back to other plants
• Fats, grease, lard, or oils/ Creates odor problems and attract pests such as rodents and flies
• Meat or fish bones and scraps/ Creates odor problems and attract pests such as rodents and flies
• Pet wastes (e.g., dog or cat feces, soiled cat litter)/ Might contain parasites, bacteria, germs, pathogens, and viruses harmful to humans
• Yard trimmings treated with chemical pesticides/ Might kill beneficial composting organisms