How to start a compost pile
So everywhere keeps telling you to start a compost pile to help lead an environmental life, but how do you start a compost pile??
Want to know - read on…
1. Find a spot in your yard where you would normally grow a garden or where you could grow a garden. Alot of people like to build a bin for their compost pile to help fend off animals and keep it neater and cleaner but having a bin is not necessary it can just be an area in your lawn.
2. Start with layering leaves, grass clippings, kitchen waste - like banana peels, egg shells, apples cores, carrot or cucumber peelings, lettuce leaves, etc. Keep adding materials until you have a six-inch layer, then cover it with three to six inches of soil, manure, or finished compost.
3. Turn the pile once a week to move material from the outside of the pile in. Turning also keeps the pile from compacting, which reduces airflow and slows down decomposition.
4. You should have finished compost in about two months. You’ll know your compost is finished when it no longer heats up and you can’t identify any of the original materials. The compost should be dark brown, moist and earthy smelling. Dig finished compost into your garden’s soil. You can use partially composted material as mulch.
Check out this recent entry on Natural and Sustainable about 10 eco-friendly options to have in your home today.
January 21st, 2009 at 6:02 am
Many people insist on turning the pile but we never do.
Our compost piles always give great results regardless. For me the secret is a good mix of stuff and adequate moisture. A bit of old carpet on top retains a lot of the heat and speeds up the process.
January 24th, 2009 at 10:12 am
[...] How to start a compost pile Alot of people like to build a bin for their compost pile to help fend off animals and keep it neater and cleaner but having a bin is not necessary it can just be an area in your lawn. [...]