Things You'll Need:
- Shovel
- Pitchfork
- Compost bin or chicken wire
- garden hose
- garden gloves
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Step 1
Chicken wire may be used instead of purchasing a compost bin. This is an ecomonical option that works well. Make a chicken wire ring that is at least 3 feet high and 2 feet in diameter. Set it upright in the spot where you are planning to compost.
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Step 2
The best results for compost are 75% brown materials and 25% green materials. The pile should be damp, but not soggy. Layer the materials in the following order: brown, green, then a thin layer of soil. Continue layering until the pile is 3 feet high.
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Step 3
BROWNS: These are carbon sources.
Leaves (mulched if possible), shredded paper towels or paper napkins (only if dye-free), chipped brush, sawdust.
GREENS: These are the nitrogen sources.
Chopped household vegetable and fruit scraps, egg shells, coffee grounds, tea bags. grass clippings (only in very thin layers) -
Step 4
DO NOT add any of the following to your compost: meat, fish, bones, dairy products, fats, pet waste, diseased plants, weeds.
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Step 5
After you have layered brown, green, soil and repeat until your compost reaches 3 feet, let it sit for 2 weeks. Keep it damp, but not soaking wet.
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Step 6
When the initial two week time period has passed, turn the compost with your pitchfork to aerate your pile. You should turn the pile every two weeks.
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Step 7
Harvest the compost from the bottom of your pile every few months. Use this wonderful compost to enrich the soil in your garden, around new or established shrubs and trees, anuals and perennials. The earth and your plants will thank you!
