Composting is really very easy. All you have to do is put a compost bin on a base of twiggy prunings or something similar (we use an old pallet) so that air can circulate, and then add anything organic as you accumulate it. Sooner or later, compost will be made, taking from 3 to 12 months depending on the type and quantity of materials added. Don't worry about the lumpy appearance of the compost, because once spread over the soil or dug in, worms and other soil inhabitants complete the decomposition process.

There are neat compost bins and boxes on sale, but don't be fooled by those with an access flap at the base to remove the resulting compost. Only the perfectionist produces faultless compost; the rest of us end up with lumpy sticky stuff which cannot be extracted easily. Therefore look for a box or bin (or make one) that can be lifted off the heap or has a removable side to make access easy.

Rotating or tumbling bins are a good idea for keeping the contents mixed and airy, but in hard winters the contents cannot be turned once they freeze solid.