Anyone can throw a bunch of leaves in a pile and slowly turn it into compost, but if you're wanting the best compost you'll want to make sure you have the proper Carbon to Nitrogen ratio.
The ideal compost C:N ratio is 25-30:1, the below table should help you keep your carbon to nitrogen ratios in check.
Browns = High CarbonC:N
Ashes, wood 25:1
Cardboard, shredded 350:1
Corn Stalks 75:1
Fruit Waste 35:1
Leaves 60:1
Newspaper, shredded 175:1
Peanut shells 80:1
Pine Needles 80:1
Sawdust 325:1
Straw 75:1
Wood chips 400:1
Greens = High NitrogenC:N
Alfalfa 12:1
Clover 23:1
Coffee grounds 20:1
Food waste 20:1
Garden waste 30:1
Grass clippings 20:1
Hay 25:1
Manures 15:1
Seaweed 19:1
Vegetable scraps 25:1
Weeds 30:1
The ideal compost C:N ratio is 25-30:1, the below table should help you keep your carbon to nitrogen ratios in check.
Browns = High CarbonC:N
Ashes, wood 25:1
Cardboard, shredded 350:1
Corn Stalks 75:1
Fruit Waste 35:1
Leaves 60:1
Newspaper, shredded 175:1
Peanut shells 80:1
Pine Needles 80:1
Sawdust 325:1
Straw 75:1
Wood chips 400:1
Greens = High NitrogenC:N
Alfalfa 12:1
Clover 23:1
Coffee grounds 20:1
Food waste 20:1
Garden waste 30:1
Grass clippings 20:1
Hay 25:1
Manures 15:1
Seaweed 19:1
Vegetable scraps 25:1
Weeds 30:1