home gardeners 5-10-5 replacement

What can the home gardener make from refuse, etc., to take the place of 5-10-5 and nitrate of soda?

Make a compost pile of straw, weeds, grass clippings, leaves, and other plant parts. In making a compost pile, is it more advisable to pile up on top of ground, or to dig a pit and gradually fill it in? In dry climates, a slight depression is best, but elsewhere, pile should be on level ground. If you have any questions on composting, please ask.