Compost or organic matter is a key ingredient in gardening because it acts as a fertilizer and a soil conditioner - in short, it improves the quality of your soil naturally.

The organic matter is derived from plants and animals remains such as dead plants, plant waste (leaves), animal manure. One of its advantages is its ability to withhold water and nutrients, therefore enabling your plants to better grow. Additionally, it will help your soil to stick together, allowing bacteria to easily break down the nutrients in the soil.

• You can either build a compost pile right on the ground or get a plastic or wooden bin. In the former case, choose a level area that drains well and is not too exposed to direct sunlight as it might dry out your compost pile. Alternatively, you may opt for a plastic or wooden compost bin.
• Fill the bin a quarter full of garden or topsoil
• Add nitrogen-rich matter such as kitchen scraps (fruit, vegetables), coffee or tea.
• Add carbon-rich garden scraps like leaves, grass, wood, manure, straw and animal bedding. Put half as much of carbon-rich matter in as you do nitrogen-rich matter.
• Add paper goods like cardboard, paper and tissue from the house.
• Always use a wide range of ingredients to obtain a well-balanced compost, but never include meat, bones and fats, dairy products, diseased plants, wastes from humans or pets (except cow or horse manure if not fresh).
• Stir the compost regularly to provide adequate aeration and moisture. This will also speed up the process. A pile that is not mixed may take up to 34 times longer to decompose!
• Wait a minimum of 2 - 3 weeks weeks before using the compost. Your finished compost should be dark brown, crumbly, and shouldn't stink. Take the dark and crumbly material only from your pile, and leave the unfinished compost for more decomposition.