Composting is the human way of returning plant nutrients back into the soil from which it came. Nature calls it rotting or decomposition. By learning from nature, you can incorporate the composting processes without having unsightly piles around your yard. Compost sheeting is one method.

When preparing a garden bed, a little more effort and forethought will continually improve and build your soil for years to come. The benefits of composting include adding nutrients, increasing proper drainage, water retention, and maintaining good soil "bugs." You will never have to maintain compost piles and odor by composting directly into the garden beds.

Gather organic matter - plant matter that is free of harmful pesticides and chemicals . As you and your neighbors clean your yards of spent plants and fallen leaves, you have a source of organic matter. If you live near a coastline, seaweed is an excellent source of composting organic matter that provides many of those trace elements needed for healthy gardens that can cost a small fortune to buy. Check with local officials before removing from public areas.

Compost is organic matter allowed to decompose through the process of being broken down into elemental components that are distributed back into the soil from which it came. This decomposition process is aided by water, air, bacteria, and organisms such as nematodes and earthworms. The result is good dark soil rich in organic nutrients.

Although not necessary, you may wish to break up the organic matter into smaller parts. Spread the matter over a clear patch of lawn. Remove items such as large twigs and rocks. Run over it with a lawn mower with a grass catcher or spread out a tarp and aim the lawn mower action into it. Another method is to place the organic composting matter in a trash barrel or heavy duty trash bag. Fill it with water and let it set until you are ready to use. Drain off water and use to water trees or garden plants.

When you prepare your planting bed or vegetable garden, remove soil in patches at least 1 foot deep and 2 feet wide. Place a 3-6 inch layer of organic composting matter in the bottom of the trench. Walk on it to pack it down a bit. Backfill with the soil that was removed. Now you are ready to plant on it. The garden bed will be raised higher than the surrounding area but will compact over time as the composting material is naturally decomposed.

The following year when you repeat the same composting process while preparing the garden bed, you will find little remains from the previous year. The backfilling process will evenly distribute the new decomposed nutritional soil.