Benefits

• Composting keeps waste out of landfills. According to the Maryland Cooperative Extension at the University of Maryland, 75 percent of materials typically found in landfills could be composted. In addition, the materials being saved from the landfill are also useful. Compost saves money on fertilizers and soils and helps with gardening. Composting improves overall lawn health by replacing nutrients in the soil, moderating temperature, controlling weeds and decreasing erosion.
  
  Composting also has educational benefits. Start a compost pile with your kids as a lesson in environmental stewardship. They will learn about a fascinating natural process over time. Choose which composting method best suits you. For trench composting, dig a trench and alternate layers of compost and soil. When the trench is filled, begin a new one. In springtime use the rows for garden planting. For bin composting, fence off a small patch of dirt with a plastic liner. Explore each method further to see which works best for you.
  
  Consider gardening with your child after your compost is complete so he can see the rewards of his efforts.
  
  

Methods

• Regardless of which composting method you choose, you need the same materials. Compost kitchen waste like fruit, vegetables, bread, coffee grounds, tea bags, or rinsed eggshells. Avoid meat, bones, dairy, or oils. Compost other household materials like newsprint, shredded paper, or cardboard. Compost yard waste such as leaves or grass clippings. Avoid solid materials like sticks or twigs. Herbivorous animal manure can be composted, but pet (dog or cat) manure cannot.
  
  Maintain a proper balance of carbon and nitrogen sources. Carbon sources include "browns" such as straw, newsprint, shredded paper and dry leaves. Nitrogen sources are "greens" like coffee grounds, vegetable waste, grass clippings and manure.
  
  If using the bin method, use a pitchfork to turn the compost every few weeks to help it aerate.
  
  

Troubleshooting

• If your compost has a bad odor, try turning it more frequently and adding more carbon materials. If the pile is too wet, add carbon materials and turn it more frequently. Also consider covering during periods of heavy rainfall. Compost should be moist like a wrung-out sponge, but not soaking wet. If materials are not degrading, add more nitrogen sources and check the moisture. Add water if necessary.