Your Compost Pile or Bin

When setting up your compost pile or tumbler keep in mind that while it is working it generates a fair amount of heat. Because of this heat you will want to place your pile or bin away from any structure, the heat produced can combust (ignite).

Once you have chosen the site for your compost you'll want to layer the foliage and waste in layers. You'll put down a layer of brown foliage (dry leaves and plant refuse) then a layer of green foliage (grass and table scraps - no protein products). Continue this layering process until you have a pile at least 3 foot by 3 foot or until your purchased tumbler is 85% full. Turning the compost will speed up the cooking process. For your purchased tumbler you can turn it once or twice a day fairly easy, however; your 3 foot by 3 foot pile will take a bit of physical effort. Utilizing a garden fork take from the top of the pile and start piling the compost in a new pile next to the old. This will flip the pile upside down and you'll want to flip this pile 2 or 3 times a week.

Though composting may take a bit of time and effort the benefits are well worth it!