Compost

Roger brought up an old tractor tire rim, which I think I can use to make a compost pile. It is about 40 inches in diameter, 18 inches high. We put it in the garden area. As a habit from my parents, I bury my garbage in the garden, but we have not had rain for some weeks now, and the ground is as hard as a rock. Tomorrow, he will bring me up a tractor scoop of ground hay, as I already have some garbage thrown in to start this. What else do I need, peat moss? Of course I would have to buy that,so will just the hay work? Do I need to have some air to this, I could put boards under the rim to raise it up a little. Advice anyone?