How to Make a Simple Compost Pile

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By T G Hardee
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wire fence compost pile

Anyone can make a simple compost pile at no cost using materials found around the home. Compost can be used to enrich the soil in vegetable or flower gardens, or potted plants and lawns. Save some cash and make your own with these simple steps.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

4 foot tall fence wire, or other receptacle such as a large trash can or barrel, etc.
sticks, leaves, grass clippings, etc.

Step 1

Make a circle three to four feet in diameter with fence wire. Use welded wire that is either 3 or 4 feet tall. A large trash can or barrel can be used instead of wire. Cut out the bottom of a trash can or both ends of a barrel.
Step 2

Place the container where you would like it. A good place for the compost pile would be convenient to the garden, or where most of the ingredients will be generated.
Step 3

Begin the pile by placing layers of sticks and twigs 4 to 6 inches deep in the bottom. Add other ingredients as they become available. These ingredients could include grass clippings, cut up leaves, dead plants, vegetable peelings, etc. Do not add meat scraps, herbicide treated plants or manure from dogs or cats.
Step 4

Add water to the compost pile as needed. It should remain moist. Avoid adding enough water to make the pile soggy. A soggy pile will emit bad odors. If this occurs, turn the pile to mix in air and add dry material. Too much green material added at one time can also cause odors.
Step 5

Add water if ants become apparent in the compost pile. Ants are a sign the pile is too dry. Cover with straw or a cloth to help retain moisture.
Step 6

Turn the pile occasionally if desired. This is helpful, but not necessary. Simply pull off the wire or container bin, and place it beside the compost pile. Using a pitch fork, place the ingredients back into the bin.
Step 7

Use your compost when the ingredients are no longer recognizable.