CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Compost is a mixture of decayed organic matter and is used for fertilizing and conditioning land. Raw organic waste becomes a nutrient-rich soil amendment when properly composted.

Composting is a great thing to take on as a gardener. It uses up waste and provides you with a homemade, nutrient-rich growing matter for your yard. But, if you find your compost heap is not heating ...

I wasn't sure that my amateurish attempts at composting were going so well. That was before I pulled on some gloves and started poking under the ugly pile of rotting lettuce leaves, eggshells, parsnip ...

It may be colder outside, but your compost needs to stay warm to be ready for 2026. Here's a few ways to help it do so.