If you’re one of those people who throws away food thinking, “I wish I knew how to make a compost pile,” — this article is for you! The good new is… you’ll be pleased to know that setting up a composting system at home isn’t as much work as it sounds.
A compost pile takes some prep work. Start by clearing the perfect patch of ground by:
1. Choosing a space which is away from trees or fast growing vines as the roots of these plants can enter the compost pile and take away much needed nutrients.
2. Removing weeds from the area you are going to make into your compost pile so that the seeds from the weeds don’t germinate when you lay your compost on your garden beds.
3. Identifying a space which is slightly elevated so that it will have good drainage.
4. Positioning your compost pile away from the house and shed as the pile can attract insects.
5. Placing your compost pile away from a wooden fence or deck as the compost can stain and rot wood.
Now you can start designing and building the compost pile, and keep these tips in mind:
1. If you are building a large compost pile, put in pathways approximately every few feet, so you can move around with a wheelbarrow.
2. Use a ground cloth to line your path to stop it being invaded by roots from other trees.
3. If you see burrowing animals in your area such as moles or groundhogs, line the bottom of your compost pile with chicken wire.
You’re now ready to start adding your kitchen and garden waste to your compost pile:
1. Gathering separate piles of green and brown waste
2. Green waste is high in nitrogen and includes things like vegetable scraps and grass clippings, and manure from animals.
3. Brown waste has a high carbon content and includes things like leaves, dry grass and twigs.
There are also a number of simple tools you can use to help you manage and maintain your compost pile, and help you create the best organic matter in the neighbourhood:
- Compost starters. There are a range of natural substances available which can activate your compost pile to speed up the decomposition time.
- Compost sifter. If your compost is ready to be used on your garden but is still a little lumpy, you can use a compost sifter to filter your pile into smooth topsoil for your garden beds. A compost sifter is easy to clean and add to your gardening kit, and can also help you get rid of unwanted items in your compost heap such as sticks which were too large to break down, or bones which got thrown in my mistake.
- Compost thermometer. It is essential your compost pile is at the right temperature, otherwise the materials won’t decompose properly. Too cold and you won’t have any rapid breakdown of materials and too hot and you may need to add some water so the pile doesn’t dry out.
- Compost pail. You can buy a metal or ceramic pail or you can just use a small bucket or container you already have, to sit in the kitchen and remind you to put aside your kitchen waste, ready for composting.
- Compost turning tools. Another important part of managing your compost pile is making sure it is turned and aerated regularly. You can do this with a compost aerator which looks like a rod with protruding prongs at the bottom and when it is plunged into the pile it both aerates and turns the materials. You can also use a standard garden fork to penetrate and turn your compost pile.
- Biodegradable bags. Plastic shopping bags are being quickly replaced by environmentally friendly alternatives, one of which is biodegradable plastic. You can therefore use these bags to collect your kitchen or garden scraps, and then throw the scraps, bag and all, into the compost pile and everything will break down.
photo credit: mjmonty via photopin cc
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