How Will Your Garden Grow? Creating a Compost Pile

Chances are, if you live near a farm, or have an avid gardener in your neighborhood; you've seen and smelled various compost piles. Compost is a material that is produced through the breakdown of organic material to produce a nutrient rich fertilizer without the harsher chemicals found in commercial preparation. While a compost pile can give your garden the extra boost it needs, creating a compost pile can take a bit of work. If you're interested in creating a composite pile, here are some helpful hints to get you started.

Make a Container

One of the most essential parts of a compost pile is the container that it is kept in. The purpose of this container is to hold the material in while still allowing easy access and air circulation. There are a few different kinds of containers available, ranging from chicken wire around a few wooden posts to a 55 gallon steel drum with holes in it. The cost can range in price from under $50 to over $200. With this range of possible containers, however, I've found the best for me is the simplest. By taking six wooden stakes, and attaching the chicken wire around them to create a fenced in enclosure, you'll have easy access to your compost material, and the air can easily circulate. Of course, one of the drawbacks to this type of container is the appearance. I'm sure everyone has seen how much of an eyesore a compost container like this can turn into over time. So, if appearances are a factor where you live, such as a suburban neighborhood, consider getting a commercially made plastic compost bin. These little contraptions look a lot like larger garbage cans and can be wheeled out of sight if necessary. They do cost a bit more that the simpler chicken wire container, but some people consider it worth the extra cost.

Quality Material Produces Quality Compost