• Turn the compost periodically with a pitchfork to speed up the process. Don't panic if you are unable to do this; the pile will still eventually become "rich" soil - ready for use in your backyard habitat.
• Scraps and other wastes will decay much more quickly if they're shredded or chopped before going into the composter.
• The compost heap should be the consistency of a damp, but not soggy, sponge. You can add water to the pile if you think it's too dry.
• You can cover the compost heap with black plastic to keep out heavy rain, protect it from scavengers, and retain warmth and moisture.
• Do compost nitrogen-rich organic materials, such as fruit and vegetable scraps, tea bags, coffee grounds with filter paper, plant trimmings, wood ash from a fireplace or wood stove, nut shells, and fresh grass clippings.
• Do compost carbon-rich brown materials, such as dry leaves, straw, sawdust (in very thin layers), and wood chips and shavings.
• Don't compost pet wastes, charcoal or coal ash, meats, bones, or fats, dairy products, oil or oily foods, diseased or insect-infected plants, diapers or sanitary products, woody yard waste (unless shredded first), crab grass, or any weeds you're trying to eliminate from your yard.