![](https://www.readersdigest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/istock_kitchenwaste_291_20090223-101201.jpg?fit=291%2C291)
Don’t toss out those potato peels, banana skins and eggshells. All of these organic items can be composted, right in your own backyard.
![Shade or Sun?](https://www.readersdigest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/compost1.jpg?fit=291%2C291)
Shade or Sun?
Place compost bin in shade or sun. Keep area around the bin clear.
![Wire Mesh](https://www.readersdigest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/compost2.jpg?fit=291%2C291)
Wire Mesh
Place wire mesh under the bin to make it more rodent-resistant.
![Leaves](https://www.readersdigest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/compost3.jpg?fit=291%2C291)
Leaves
Leaves are the MOST important ingredient. Layer with grass, weeds, food scraps.
![Old Garbage Bins](https://www.readersdigest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/compost3-2.jpg?fit=291%2C291)
Old Garbage Bins
Use old garbage bins to store fall leaves. Collect lots of leaves!
![Food Scraps](https://www.readersdigest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/compost4.jpg?fit=291%2C291)
Food Scraps
Add food scraps: only raw fruit, veggies, coffee grounds, tea bags, egg shells.
![No Cooked Food](https://www.readersdigest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/compost5.jpg?fit=291%2C291)
No Cooked Food
No pasta, rice, bread, meat, fish, oil… no cooked food.
![Food Waste](https://www.readersdigest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/compost6-2.jpg?fit=291%2C291)
Food Waste
Every time you add food waste, cover it with yard waste.
![Plant Trimmings](https://www.readersdigest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/compost6-3.jpg?fit=291%2C291)
Plant Trimmings
Add plant trimmings from the garden.
![Cut Up!](https://www.readersdigest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/compost6-4.jpg?fit=291%2C291)
Cut Up!
Cut up all waste into small pieces so it will compost faster.
![Grass](https://www.readersdigest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/compost7.jpg?fit=291%2C291)
Grass
Add some grass. Leave most of your clippings on the lawn to decompose.
![Air](https://www.readersdigest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/compost7-2.jpg?fit=291%2C291)
Air
Aerators provide air to the pile.
For more product tips and information on organic gardening, be sure to visit City Farmer.
![Aerator](https://www.readersdigest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/compost8.jpg?fit=291%2C291)
Aerator
Poke the pile with the aerator every few weeks.
![Bugs](https://www.readersdigest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/compost9.jpg?fit=291%2C291)
Bugs
Many bugs in the bin help break down the waste. For example, sow bugs.
![City Waste Bin](https://www.readersdigest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/compost9-2.jpg?fit=291%2C291)
City Waste Bin
Large garden waste and pernicious weeds can go in the city’s yard waste bin.
![6 to 8 months](https://www.readersdigest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/compost10.jpg?fit=291%2C291)
6 to 8 months
Open the composter and remove finished compost in six to eight months.
![Improve the Soil](https://www.readersdigest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/compost11.jpg?fit=291%2C291)
Improve the Soil
Add finished compost to garden beds to improve the soil.
For more news, tips and information on organic gardening, be sure to visit City Farmer.