Step One - Choose your location for your bin or heap

A compost bin, or heap, is best sited on soil but can work on concrete. It is imperative to add the right mixture of materials and light sprinklings of healthy soil (or manure), which introduce the micro-organisms required to get the composting process going. Placing the bin in a sunny location will speed up the process, but it will also work in the shade. Place your bin (or heap) anywhere that's convenient, but not too close to your house.

Step Two - Start adding your materials

Anything that has recently lived can be composted, but care needs to be taken with certain materials, including meat and fish. The most common materials composted are: fruit and vegetable trimmings, grass cuttings and garden waste.

In addition to these, you can compost paper and cardboard.

 Step Three - Fill up your bin

Once your kitchen caddy/container is full, empty this into your bin. Try to get a 50/50 mix of greens and browns, as this creates the best compost.

 Step Four - Let time work its magic

It takes between 9 and 12 months for the composting process to be complete, so just be patient and keep adding your greens and browns to the top of the bin.

Step Five - Its ready to use

After 9 to 12 months your compost should be ready. It will have turned into a crumbly, dark material, resembling thick, moist soil, which gives off an earthy, fresh aroma. Lift the compost bin slightly, or open the hatch, and fork out the nice earthy mixture.

Step Six - Using your compost

Your compost is ideal for garden beds, veg patches, hanging baskets and as a soil improver.

 Below are a few videos presented by Nicky Scott explaning how to enjoy a successfull compost heap, with information on getting the right mix, how to rectify a heap that has gone wrong and other tips