Some of Massachusetts soils do not work well for growing plants. However, these soils can be improved using compost. Composting is simple and valuable for keeping carbon locked up in soil and out of the atmosphere. A compost pile requires a small plot of land, at least 4 feet by 4 feet (preferably away from your neighbor’s property) where yard debris and vegetable scraps can be deposited in a ratio of 3 to 1 and turned periodically. Massachusetts Master Gardener Association can show you how with their fact sheets on "Basic Composting" and "Soil - a good gardener's secret"