• Gardening enthusiasts often sing the praises of a soil additive called compost. The composting process occurs in nature all the time, as animals, insects and microorganisms consume plant and animal matter. The leftover material, compost, remains rich in nutrients, according to the online resource Garden of Oz, and releases nutrients into the soil slowly, yielding better soil and plant growth. Fortunately, the home gardener does not need to wait on nature, but can replicate the process at home with careful material selection.
  
  

Pile or Container

• Compost production can happen in a pile on the ground or in a container. Neither approach represents a fundamentally better method. External concerns, however, can dictate the choice. Composting generates a smell that may offend. Those with close neighbors can employ a container to help manage the odor. Container composting may prove more attractive to homeowners with limited ground space. Additionally, reports Garden of Oz, containers attract fewer pests, such as rodents and insects.
  
  

Proper Carbon to Nitrogen Ratio

• Effective composting making depends on maintaining the proper balance between carbon and nitrogen in the mixture. According to Composting 101, a balance of 25 to 30 parts carbon to 1 part nitrogen yields the best results. Achieving this balance means adding the right materials, or combination of materials, into the pile. If the carbon levels get too high, it inhibits the breakdown process. Conversely, a too high level of nitrogen generates a wet, foul smelling compost. Materials with a high carbon content include dried leaves, shredded cardboard and newspaper, wood chips and straw. Household food waste, grass clippings and manure tend to have higher nitrogen levels. As the composting process proceeds, add nitrogen or carbon rich materials to increase the speed or reduce the moisture (and smell).
  
  

Frequent Turns

• Compost requires oxygen to work properly. Some containers come equipped for turning through a crank. Otherwise, the compost will need manual turning. This turning helps to provide oxygen to the entire contents of the compost material, which also helps to maintain the levels of aerobic bacteria. Keeping the aerobic bacteria levels up reduces the odor, produced primarily by anaerobic bacteria . according to Composting 101. Consistent turning keeps the compost decomposing at a higher temperatures, resulting in faster decomposition.
  
  

Multiple Piles

• The online Compost-Info-Guide recommends using multiple piles or containers for composting, rather than adding new material to an existing pile. The addition of new material can slow the process down, adding time until the material finishes composting. Separation keeps the efficiency levels of the composting process high in all of the piles or containers.