I’m sure just the idea of composting can seem overwhelming, but we’re here to help you get started and make the journey easy. Composting at home is one of the simplest ways to reduce household waste and return nutrients to the soil, and you’ll be slinging “compost lingo” like a pro by the end of this series.

The good news is that you don’t need fancy composting equipment to begin. All you need is a spot of bare soil in a shady area to get started. After you’ve picked your location and cleared the ground, you’re ready to go.