Making your own compost for the garden can be both economical  and satisfying. A compost bin can be built out of wood.

The amount of dry/brown material such as leaves should be twice as much as wet/green material like fresh grass or vegetable scraps. Do not add dairy or meat as this will attract rodents. 

If the compost dries out spray it with the garden hose. It should also be aerated  from time to time to aid decomposition. This can be done by turning it over with a garden fork. Finally, use the compost when it is fully decayed.
Source: The PW Proven Winners Garden Book by Ruth Rogers Clausen and
                                                                                 Thomas Christopher