There are many ways to create a compost pile. Some are good and others are better. Read on to find out what you need to know in order to have a healthy compost pile which will yield lots of good humus to enrich your garden and keep it producing at its best.
The ingredients
Primarily in order to keep a compost pile activeyou'll need a balance of ingredients. Too much of one single component and your pile may not produce a usable compost. The ingredients should be a mixture of various organic materials. (For example: coffee grounds, leaves, grass, fruit cores/peelings, egg shells, etc. - just don't use meats in your pile.) As time goes by, you may notice some ingredients in the pile are more numerous than others, so make it a point to add various materials to replenish and balance your compost - and check it frequently.
Containers and bins
Should you use a container or a bin? My general feeling is that you should use what everyou're most comfortable with. If you use a fence or other open bin, just be aware that you will be required to use a pitch fork or some other device to turn the compost occasionally. If you use a manufactured container, most of them have an automated way for you to turn them whichdoesn't usually require a lot of physical exertion. Though usually with that automation comes a higher price tag.
Dampen - don't soak
If you soak your compost pile, you won't ever get any humus! Compost requires some water - but not much!Don't drown the compost pile - a sprinkle from the hose every couple of days should provide enough moisture for your compost to function properly. If you have a bin and get some rain on a frequent basis, it may not even need to be sprinkled. Your compost needs to be moist but not wet. The proper balance will allow for the organisms to break down the compost more quickly and get you more plant growing humus for your garden.
Compost needs air
Aeration is another integral ingredient in your compost pile. Providing your compost with air allows the bacteria and organisms that produce humus to thrive. So how do you aerate your compost? You use a pitch fork or other turning device which allows air to enter the pile as you turn it. You don't need to turn it every day, usually once a week is enough. This should keep those bacteria and other organisms alive and happily breaking down your compost.
Temperature
There is no ideal temperature for composting. Just make sure that when you touch it, it feels warm. Ensure that the compost pile stays warm or else the whole process for composting will not occur as it should. Ifyou're one of those folks who keep meticulous records, you could try using a thermometer and see which temperatures seem to produce the most humus over time.You'll need a good thermometer for this. Most gardening stores should have a suitable thermometer for this purpose. But usually just touching it to feel the warmth will work.You'll know thatit's at the correct temperature if you see your compost steaming in the sunny autumn mornings.
Composting Location
The spot where you create your compost pile should be in a fairly convenient location - one which allows easy access for you to add ingredients as they become available. It is not necessary to have it in a sunny location, nor will the sun cause a problem should you choose a location in the sun. It's your pile and ifyou're proud of it (and the fact that your helping to keep our planet green) you can have the pile anywhere you choose!
Keep the above in mind when you are creating and maintaining your compost pile andyou'll be rewarded with lots of brown gold (humus)!
Mark Krusch is a lifelong gardener whose garden is the envy of his neighbors. Always willing to try something new to increase his garden's production naturally, you can see his latest greatest foray into compost making by going to http://markkrusch.com
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