Good soil is the basis of any healthy garden, and can easily be achieved by making compost. Follow these guidelines for starting a simple compost, and let your garden reap the benefits:  

1. In a sheltered spot in your backyard, simply layer kitchen vegetable waste in a pile with garden clippings. Or, create the compost in a metal or plastic garbage can - remove the bottom of the can and puncture holes in the sides, and raise the can off the ground (for ventilation).
2. Keep your compost moist, and turn the pile occasionally. In six to eight months, (or as little as a month in warmer climates) you'll have beautiful, black, organic compost to add to the garden.
3. Use only vegetable scraps and garden clippings (no meat scraps) to keep the compost odor-free and pest-free.
4. Make sure you're composting regularly so you'll always have plenty of material to nourish the soil in your garden and promote moisture retention.

Don't miss next Saturday's Tip when we discuss ways to create an organic garden.

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