Post in How to start a compost pile

May 06 17:12 UTC

How I do it... Dig a hole app. 1' deep, deeper if you want, but 3' - 4'
square,... bigger or smaller, depending on how much compost goes in. Sometimes
I just dig a quick hole, throw in compost, and cover with soil, leveling
ground.
There are numerous ways to compost, just make sure freshcompost has asoil layer
covering it, to cut down on bugs and help it break down. Sometimes it's good to
throw in a layer of lawn clippings, weeds, or grass, to help balance ph, adding
alkalinity, balancing acids created from decomposition. Red worms help quicken
the process, and can sometimes be bought from other folks. Spraywater oncompost
pile occasionally,as it breaks down faster when wet. It takes anywhere from 2
weeks to 3 months for compost to mature, dependingon different factors. Winter
compost takes much longer to mature, because of cold. Move freshcompost pileto
new location every month or two, so older pile[s] will be made available for
use.
Note: Only non-animal products should be used in composting, as even egg shells
attract rodents and other undesirable pests.
Every week or two compost should be turned, as this mixes nutrient as well as
expediting the break down. You'll know when compost is mature and ready for
use. It turns to soil, yet mostly darker and richer than regular soil.
Some cities and hardwares sell composters, plastic barrels in different designs
and shapes. These work in small spaces where ground space and sanitary issues
might be factors.
Dennis Knicely