Composting is Great

Composting your organic material is a great way to create fabulous soil and not dump more stuff into, well, the dump.  There are several ways to go about composting and many different containers and contraptions that can be purchased.  I have taken the easiest way possible and just devoted a corner of my yard to compost.  Basically, anything you peel, core, stem, etc. from the kitchen you can throw on your pile and let rot into glorious soil.  Also, ashes from a fireplace or outdoor firepit can be tossed on the pile too.  Don't put ashes from those quick burning logs-the chemicals are bad for your organic compost.  Also, any vitamins that have expired or are sitting in your cabinet not being taken can be added too.  They will add additional nutrients to your soil.  Also, add leaves or grass trimmings are good. 
Compost needs to remain moist in order to decompose.  It also needs to be turned and mixed up every five days or so to allow the stuff that is dry on top to mix with the wet underneath.  If it dries out in the summer, just wet it with the hose and mix it up to keep it moist.  As the organic material breaks down you will see the soil develop on the bottom of the pile.  To use the soil, simply separate the larger pieces from the dirt with a rake or pitch fork.  Many of the composting sites I have looked at recommend a two section composting pit.
One side is for the chunks and new additions, the other is for the soil that has broken down and is ready to use.  They build a corral of sorts separating the two sides and use a pitch fork to work the compost and separate it out.  http://www.planetnatural.com/site/buyers-guide.html  This is a good source for composting information. 
Compost takes several growing seasons to really become good soil so be patient and continue working it until you have some nice dark soil to use in your gardening.  If you continue to compost year after year, you can create enough of your own soil to save you money on potting/gardening soil in the years to come.  
** Word of warning:  Compost will attract flies-they are necessary for the breakdown of the material-so make sure you have it away from your house so you don't end up with a fly problem inside.  If you do try the tips in the Pesky Pests section of my blog.http://expandingfrosting.blogspot.com/search/label/Pesky%20Pests