Add materials to your compost heap in layers of food scraps, garden clippings and paper, cardboard (shredded) or dry leaf litter.

It is important to balance the amount of green or wet materials such as food scraps and lawn clippings, with brown or dry materials. Layering helps to build up heat in the pile and speeds up the composting process.

When the compost is dark and crumbly - after four months or so - it will be ready to use. If you have recently been adding to the heap you may need to take more composted material from the bottom. Dig this into your garden or add it to the top of an established garden bed as mulch.