Some people refer to it as Brown Gold. For me, compost probably is as valuable as gold as it is used for planting and mid-season fertilization as well.

The containers you can read about run the gamut from wire mesh or fenced in areas to elaborate three stage containers or the prefab commercial varieties. We chose the prefab Soil Saver which has worked very well for us.

Throughout the year, we deposit relatively equal amounts of grass clippings, mulched leaves, garden waste and of course chopped vegetable garbage, coffee grinds and egg shells from our kitchen whenever we can. I've read some fairly complicated formulas, etc. about compost; but our simple approach seems to work just fine.

Whenever we need compost, we just lift the door at the bottom of the container and shovel out a very dark, rich and worm filled granular composite of the healthiest additive we can find for our garden.

Of course, turning it occasionally helps keep the smell from becoming even the least bit offensive (The Soil saver was right next to our house for convenience and we would have trouble if it did smell). And occasionally, we add water to keep it from drying out. Otherwise, we just keep adding our garbage and yard waste and compost continues to be available on demand.

Some communities have been recycling yard waste and creating so called community compost heaps. If you're lucky enough to be in one of those communities, feel free to help yourself. Be aware, however, that recent legislation on individual yard waste recycling and not town pick-up might put a stop to that practice.

Either way, regularly use quality compost and your gardening problems will be kept to a minimum.