Starting a Compost Pile

Starting a compost pile does not have to be as intimidating as some books would lead you to believe. You don't need to stand over it with a pitchfork and gloves constantly mixing it in order to have a successful compost pile. Composting is a great way to reduce your yard waste while producing something that is going to add nutrients to the soil.

Select a site that is close to both your kitchen and your garden area. You don't need a bin or container for your compost but it will keep the compost contained and look a little nicer. You can start with just a pile of leaves and grass clippings. If you do decide to place your compost in a bin, you can either build a container or purchase one. If you live in a rainy area, you'll want to have something to cover the container to keep the water out.

The basic ingredients that make up compost are green garden material such as grass clippings and brown garden material such as dry leaves. The green ingredients are high in nitrogen and the brown ingredients are high in carbon. You'll need to experiment a little in order to get the right balance between the two ingredients. Typically, if you have a balance of one part green to two parts brown the materials in the pile will break down faster.

Compost will also need the correct amount of water in order to breakdown. The pile material should feel like a damp sponge. Check the level of moisture once a week and make any adjustments.

Turn your compost once a week so the inside material is moved to the outside. Once your compost is ready, in about two to three months, mix it into your garden soil and start planting.