How do I make an organic compost pile?

Question

Or...should I use a bin? I have no experience but I'd like to give it a go. Where to start?

Answer 1

Most gardeners aren't fussy about making a compost pile & it can be done simply in a pile, in an inconspicuous place. It's ideal to make it in layers, like lasagna, alternating the layers. Shredded or chopped materials decompose faster. Materials that tend to mat, such as grass clippings, should be placed in layers only 2 to 3 inches thick or mixed with coarser materials, like leaves. Moisten...(many gardeners just skip this part & let nature do the watering). Over the layer of plant material, add a layer of a material high in nitrogen, such as manure 1 -2 inches deep, (or a sprinkling of a high-nitrogen garden fertilizer). Next, add a layer of soil or sod about an inch thick. The soil contains microorganisms that help to start the decomposition process. If there is not an adequate source of soil, a layer of finished compost may be used as a soil substitute. Compost activators may also be used to introduce organisms into the pile.
Again, this is the ideal, & many gardeners use just whatever they have on hand...and still get compost. Just don't use any meat items, so it doesn't attract rodents.

Decomposition will take place even if a compost pile is ignored after it has been built, but at a slower rate. Adding water to maintain moist conditions and turning the pile to improve aeration speeds up the process.

Here's more details on how to make a compost pile from the U. of Missouri Extension:
http://extension.missouri.edu/xplor/agguides/hort/g06956.htm

Good luck!!! Hope this is helpful.

Answer 2

I don't use a bin, I just keep a pile because I find it easier to turn. However, bins are nice for keeping everything contained. Anyhow, there is nothing to creating a compost pile. Just start with your grass clippings and garden litter and go from there. Other things you can add to your pile include:
Sand
Extra soil from the garden
Peat
Leaf litter
Composted manure
Old or extra mulch
Vegetables from the garden or kitchen (Nothing diseased)
Trimmings from plants (Nothing diseased)
Egg shells
Coffee Grounds
Shredded paper

Basically anything except animal meat or fat products.

Good Luck

Answer 3

Go simple, cheap ad easy. Go to the local farm and ranch store and get a five or six tine manure fork used to muck out horse stables. Start your pile by digging a 6" depression in the ground the size you want. Layer in material as it is available until it reaches knee to waist high. Now turn the pile over into another depression. The stuff that falls between the fork tines is the "good stuff" you add to the garden, simple. RScott

Answer 4

Really just pile everything on the ground! I purchased that expensive compost tumbler. I still found that the free way worked the best. Put everything in it except meat products and be carefull of somes weeds.

Answer 5

Look for compost or composting in the search box in the green above, and on the Internet. Lots of good stuff there.