How to Make a Compost Pile

Composting is a great way to help the environment and make your garden flowers look big and healthy too. Although it once was a process only for the extreme naturalists, many more not-so-naturalist people have caught on in recent years. Nearly anything that is biodegradable can go into your compost pile, making it a great way to cut down on your trash disposal as well. The basic premise of composting is simple, but there are some things that you need to know in order to successfully, and healthily, produce the best compost possible in the quickest amount of time.

The most ideal place for your new compost pile is under a tree, but not too close or else the tree will rot. The shade will keep the pile from drying out too quickly, which is an essential part of producing quality compost. The tree should not be highly acidic though, such as pine, walnut, or juniper. Just make sure that the area is easily accessible and has a little room to store material for adding to the pile in the future.

The next decision for you to make is to determine whether you want to contain the pile or leave it out in the open. Just piling it up can create a displeasing site, especially in urban areas. A container can easily be built with four shipping pallets tied together in a square. A plastic trash can is even a possibility, as long as 24 to 48 holes have been drilled in the sides for proper air circulation. Commercial compost bins are also available for purchase from your local hardware and garden store.

When it comes to actually mixing your compost pile, you need a recipe. Although the recipe can vary from composter to composter, the ideal mixture is 50% green items and 50% brown items. Green items are nitrogen containing garbage, like green grass clipping and leftover food scraps. Brown items contain carbon, such as wood chips and dead leaves. Other items can be added to the pile, or course, such as garden soil, finished compost, bone meal, and blood meal, which will help speed the process along. These items aren't necessary though.