A mound of compost with a hoe sticking out and a gardener's boots in the background - Annick Vanderschelden Photography/Getty Images So you've got your compost ready for the next gardening season.

Composting involves decomposing organic materials to create nutrient-rich soil. A compost pile needs a balance of green (nitrogen-rich) and brown (carbon-rich) materials. Maintaining proper moisture, ...

Brown compost materials are the carbon-rich backbone that lets your pile heat up, break down efficiently, and ultimately ...