"Most home, yard and garden waste can be eliminated by composting, and with a few simple steps and a little care, backyard composting is a nonoffensive process," Williams says.

Wastes can be composted in bins made of wire, wood, concrete block or simply in a pile.

Many garden suppliers now market various composting units.

"In some ways, composting is like gardening, except instead of managing factors promoting plant growth, the gardener is controlling the factors influencing microbial breakdown of plant matter," Williams adds.

For the most efficient composting, the microorganisms doing the work need the right balance of air, water, carbon, nitrogen and heat. The compost pile must either be built to allow air to diffuse into the center of the pile or it must be turned every three to four weeks. Lack of oxygen in the compost pile can result in offensive odors. The compost pile also needs to be moist but not dripping wet so the microorganisms can survive and function.

The ratio of carbon to nitrogen is important. Grass clippings have a greater amount of nitrogen than wood chips, which are high in carbon. Increasing nitrogen will speed up the

decomposition and use up more oxygen in the process. The pile will have to be turned more often. Adding woody wastes slows decomposition.

As microorganisms decompose plant material, temperatures rise. At temperatures above 140 F the microorganisms begin to die. Keeping the pile turned will keep temperatures below

140 F and help these microorganisms work.

Try composting your leaves this fall, says Williams. "Build a compost pile by stacking a few branches or twigs first, then adding a 6- or 8-inch layer of leaves. To supply nitrogen, add kitchen scraps on top of the leaves or scatter one cup of 13-13-13 fertilizer. Adding a 2- or 3-inch soil layer will help supply some of the microorganisms needed to begin decomposition. Repeat this sequence of layers, leaving out the coarser materials. Turn the compost pile every three or four weeks and add water if the pile gets too dry."

Compost may be ready in as little as six weeks, depending on how it is managed. Finished compost will look uniform, almost like potting soil.

Publications about composting are available at your county Extension office.