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!
Friday, April 10, 2009
Your Compost Pile or Bin
Monday, March 30, 2009
Natural Fertilizer
Most gardners know that Compost is the best nutritional and beneficial fertilizer you can give to your gardens. Many Master Gardeners recommend the application of compost as well.
Not all of us know how to compost. The simplest way is to pile your plant refuse in a back corner of the yard and let it sit until next April. The bottom 2/3rds of the pile will be completed compost and you can place the top 3rd on the bottom for next years pile.
For those who would like compost more quickly you will need to have your plant refuse in atleast a 3 foot by 3 foot pile. Flip this pile 2 or 3 times a week adding moisture when necessary. You can purchase a tumbler but remember you need to have enough refuse to generate heat. If your compost pile doesn't generate heat it isn't cooking down and your compost could contain negative pathogens.