Getting Back to the Basics - Composting Part 2:

Now that you know the benefits of Composting, Let's discuss how to start a compost pile. Composting is as easy as designating a space and adding organic material, a little at a time.

Getting Started:

The first thing you’ll want to do is pick out your space. The ideal location is approx. 3ftx3ftx3ft is dry, shady, and located near a water source – if you don’t have shade; that’s okay – you’ll just have to add water periodically, but we’ll get to that in a bit. You can contain your pile using a circle page of wire or you can leave it open, the system you choose depends on how much time and money you want to invest.

We opted to choose the open system, for a few reasons – It's less expensive, and one of the easiest ways to get started. To build a compost pile, you’ll need to add about three (3) parts brown materials (Dead leaves, plants, shredded paper, cardboard, straw, wood chips, and/or sawdust – All high in carbon) to one (1) part green materials (Grass clippings, coffee grounds, fruit and vegetable scraps, and most kitchen waste – All high in nitrogen).

Remember this ratio and your pile will be sure to thrive!

We have a smaller ’compost’ bucket that sits on our countertop (Pictured) that we throw our food scrap in while cooking,

chopping veggies etc., and then empty at the end of the day. There are several on the market, some with lids or without. I purchased ours at the local hardware store, I think its technically a flowerpot – but it has been converted into our compost bin instead; and works wonders!

Things to Avoid when creating/Maintaining a compost pile.

·         Meat and/or Bones

·         Dairy Products

·         Pet waste

·         Oils

·         Plastics

·         Black Walnut leaves and/or trimmings

·         Plants that have been sprayed with pesticides or herbicides.

When watering your compost pile, you’ll want to keep your compost pile moist in order for the microorganisms who will live within, if your climate is to dry (Area is not shaded) that might mean checking your pile's moisture every so often (Approx 3-4 wks) and if needed, giving it a little water; just be sure not to over water, leaving the pile soggy.

If you have the ability, turning the pile every 4-6 weeks helps to break down the composting material; and reduces the chance of your pile having a stench! We use the tractor when turning our pile, however, when first starting out a shovel or pitchfork can be used.

If starting your pile now, a basic pile layered with the ratio listed above and turned routinely, will break down and be ready to use by next spring!

Compost can be used in many ways, Gardening, Raised Beds, Planter Boxes, when Transplanting starts and to help feed perennials.

Your compost is ready to be used when it’s dark, crumbly, and uniform.

Our Open Compost Pile: Finished Product - Should easily crumble in your hand: