Jodie Colon, compost educator at Bronx Green-Up, demonstrates how to mix dead, dry leaves and stems; fresh, moist green plant materials; and food scraps in a heap for easy composting. With the passage of time, these disparate organic materials form a dark, nutrient-rich material to add to your garden beds and containers. Chopping, mixing, moistening, and waiting are all you need to do.

Bronx Green-Up is a community outreach program at the New York Botanical Garden. It is also part of The New York City Compost Project.