• Compost enriches Florida's sandy soils.Doug Menuez/Photodisc/Getty Images
  
  A balance of animal and plant composted materials can be used to create healthy soil for Florida gardens. In varying stages of decomposition, these organic materials create space for air and water movement in the soil, aid in nutrient dissolution for improved plant uptake, and improve the physical stability of plants. Compost strengthens plant immunity against pests and diseases in the garden and lessens the need for synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.
  
  

Animal Manures

• Composted animal manures, such as chicken and cow manure, are good sources of nutrients and organic matter for the garden. Animal manure contains large quantities of micro-organisms and can be used to activate the microbial process in a new compost pile. Animal manures are nitrogen-rich and dense. They should not make up more than 30 percent of a compost pile. Do not compost pet manure. It could introduce diseases into your garden.
  
  

Carbon to Nitrogen Ratio

• Grass clippings are a good source of nitrogen for your compost pile. Dried leaves, corn stalks and pine needles provide the carbon necessary for a compost pile. Start a compost pile with 30 parts carbon to 1 part nitrogen. In Florida, place the compost pile in partial to full shade. To prevent leaching from Florida's heavy rains, place a tarp down before starting the compost pile.
  
  

Vermicomposting

• Traditional compost piles require the gardener to turn and water the pile frequently. Vermicomposting, composting with red worms, does not require as much maintenance. Yard and kitchen waste and shredded newspaper are decomposed by the worms. During the hot summer months, the worms may die in high temperatures. Move the worm bin to a north-facing wall and place it in the shade. Vermicomposting takes place in a closed bin and is not affected by excessive Florida rains.