Composting is one of the easiest ways to reduce household waste while creating a nutrient-rich soil amendment for your garden. 

To have compost ready for spring planting, consider starting a compost pile in the fall while cleaning up your garden. You can also start a pile in the spring for use later in the growing season. 

For detailed instructions on backyard composting, visit:  https://extension.psu.edu/home-composting-a-guide-for-home-gardeners