How to Make a Compost Pile

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By imasmartiepants
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Make a Compost Pile

A compost pile is a great way to recycle all those leftovers that would otherwise be tossed in the trash. Composting helps the environment by making good usable soil and reducing space in landfills. It's also a great school project for kids.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Step 1

Think about how large you'd like to make your compost pile. A compost pile should generally be no smaller than 1 cubic foot. Will you be using a container or just placing your pile on the ground? You can make your own container or buy a manufactured one. These are a good option for people without a lot of room.
Step 2

Collect the components for your compost pile. You'll need greens and browns. Greens are those things that have high nitrogen content. They are usually plants, vegetables and other yard waste that is still green. Browns are things that are high in carbon. Browns are things like dry leaves, shredded cardboard and woodchips.
Step 3

Layer your greens and browns. Start with your browns. Generally a compost pile should be comprised of 60% browns and 40% greens. Every so often sprinkle some soil onto your pile. Soil contains microbes, which will break down your elements into compost. Also, add a few small sticks. This will prevent clumping and allow your pile to get air. Aerobic (with air) microbes work much faster than anaerobic (without air) ones.
Step 4

Once you've added everything into a pile, wet it down. You want it to be damp but not sopping wet. You'll need to do this every so often to keep your pile moist.
Step 5

Allow it to sit. Your compost pile should begin heating up. This heat is caused by microbe digestion. Your pile should be turned about every 5-6 months.
Step 6

Finished compost

Collect your finished product. Compost is great fertilizer for your garden or houseplants!