How to Create a Compost Bed

Overview

Compost is a natural fertilizer. Worms, grubs, bacteria and microorganisms work together to turn yard waste and food scraps into a nutrient-rich soil additive. Create a compost bed to make use of natural forces for a never-ending supply of "black gold."

Step 1

Lay the landscaping fabric down where you want your compost bed. Line the edges of the fabric with the railroad ties, to create a square bed on the ground.

Step 2

Fill the bed half an inch deep with shredded paper, newspaper or corrugated cardboard. Because this material isn't living, it's called a "brown layer."

Step 3

Add a "green layer" of food scraps, lawn clippings, or other green waste. Only fruit and vegetable waste should be used; meat and dairy products, as well as greases and oils, don't compost well and can attract rats and create a foul odor.

Step 4

Continue layering dead and live materials until you reach the top of your compost bed. The final layer should be organic soil, followed by a light spritzing of water.

Step 5

Leave the compost alone for eight to twelve weeks, or cover with black plastic and leave for four to six weeks.

Step 6

Scoop out the black soil after it's composted and sift through a wire mesh screen to preserve large things that still need more time to compost. Return any non-composted materials back into the bin and use the rest in your garden as topsoil or to supplement potting soil.