How to Keep a Compost Pile Working

Compost is a common product of household and garden wastes combined to decay over time into a rich, organic compound that enriches the soil to which it is added. Understanding how composting works will better prepare you to keep the pile working efficiently. Follow the steps provided to manage a compost pile.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Compost pile
• Shovel, rake or fork
• Organic matter

1. Pick an appropriate location for the compost pile. Keeping a compost pile too close to the home can result in distracting, unpleasant odors. Place the pile near the home yet far enough away for aeration.

2. Add only organic matter to the compost pile. A working compost pile will decompose the organic matter yet leave any non-organic debris intact.

3. Turn the compost pile with a shovel, fork or other garden implement every few days. This process keeps the organic matter evenly decomposing and allows oxygen into the process, furthering decay.

4. Ensure a proper moisture level. Add organic matter with higher moisture content when the pile becomes dry. The compost should have the wetness of a wrung-out sponge.

5. Mix in straw, pine needles or grass clippings to prevent a compost pile from becoming too wet. These organics will aerate and loosen the pile to provide a healthy mixture.

Tips & Warnings

• Think about creating compost tea. This is a half and half mixture of water and compost left to sit and "steep." This solution is a nutrient packed product that can be sprayed onto plants.
• Place all the grass clippings and yard waste in the working compost pile. These organic matters will blend perfectly for a rich, healthy compost.
• Never place meat or bones into a working compost pile. These are too fatty to decay properly and can invite rats and mice to the area.
• Do not add any pet or human waste into the mixture. These may carry disease.

Resources

• Here is an informative composting resource.
• Find a wealth of composting tips here.

[SunflowerOcity]

on 11/30/2007 Bravo!
I enjoyed your article and rated it with five stars! Please check out my seed topic related articles at the following links:
http://www.ehow.com/how_2072035_do-easy-composting-garden.html
http://www.ehow.com/how_2128557_use-coffee-grounds-garden.html
Thanks!
Chris