Collection

• Traditional compost bins, that don't use worms to help decompose the matter, need a good ration of brown items to green items, generally equal parts of brown matter and green matter. Too much brown matter, such as dried leaves or tree bark, may cause excess nitrogen causing the compost pile to have a foul odor. Add more green matter such as lawn clippings or fresh vegetation and turn the pile to mix the matter together.
  
  

Application

• Compost is ready to remove from the pile when it is dark brown and has a crumbly texture. Add 1 to 3 inches of compost to the soil surface, and mix it with existing soil.
  
  

Benefits

• Compost adds nutrients back into the soil, improves plant growth and helps prevent future erosion from the wind or water. Compost can also be used in place of mulch, and should be reapplied once or twice a year.
  
  

Warning

• Don't add animal products such as meat, fat, dairy or eggs to the bin or you will have a problem with animals and other pests. It may also cause the compost bin to emit a foul odor.