How to Make Compost the Easy Way

A compost pile can be just that: a pile. Yes, there are all sorts of nifty bins and tumblers and contraptions that claim to give you a good composting experience. But when all is said and done, when you make compost you are simply allowing the plant waste from your yard, garden, and kitchen to decompose in a somewhat organized manner so you can retrieve it for fertilizer.

Begin a new compost pile when the weather is warm, so the decomposition process gets a good start before cold weather sets in. Compost generates warmth during the decomposition process, so your pile will slowly break down your kitchen waste even in winter. However, a compost pile works most quickly and efficiently during the warm months.

Claim a corner of your garden or yard for your compost pile. An area about 4 feet X 4 feet is good for a beginning. To start a new pile, begin with some coarse yard waste, like downed sticks and twigs, small wood chips, or large weeds, and use them as the base layer of your compost pile. Break them up a bit if you want to. This gives ample air pockets in the center of the pile, which will hasten the decomposition process. The next layers can be grass clippings, garden trimmings, dead flower heads and other garden waste. Pile these on heavily, all that you have. As your kitchen waste accumulates, bury it in your compost pile, making sure that the fresh waste is covered well after each addition to avoid attracting flies and pests. Don't be afraid to mix it up a bit. Continue adding every kind of plant waste to your compost pile, whether it is from kitchen vegetables or your yard or garden.
There is only one hard and fast rule in compost making, and that is to never use meat or meat products (such as grease or gravy) in your compost pile.

About once a week you need to use a pitchfork and turn the whole pile, mixing it well. All the material in your layers will eventually break down, and you can sift out any large pieces that may remain after the compost is ready to use. Pile-turning day is a good time to water your compost pile. Compost does not require a soaking, but it will decompose faster if it is kept moderately moist. When your pile begins to resemble peat, start another pile with your fresh waste while you allow the first to finish, or "mellow." Remember that if the pile is allowed to dry out, the decomposition process will be interrupted.

Having two compost piles allows you to keep one working as the other finishes and you use it. Keep two piles rotating and you will always have a supply of finished compost.