5 Easy Steps To Starting A Compost Pile

It's very easy to learn how to start a compost pile. It's so easy that soon after you begin, you'll naturally want to make improvements on your methods to get the most out of composting. Here, in five easy steps, is how to start a compost pile in your backyard:

1. Where to put it. Choose a place in your yard close enough to the area you intend to fertilize. If you experience hot summers, you have to choose a shaded place for your compost pile. Although some sunlight would be good, particularly in the morning, you have to maintain moisture and not dry out the pile. Of course, you have to keep it away from your house and anything combustible. If you live in dry climate, put the heap within a few steps of a water source.

2. Dig a hole. The size of your pile will depend on the size of your family, that is, the amount of waste your household produces. To begin, a good size would be around 5 feet across and a foot deep. As you dig, pile up soil around the edge of the hole since you'll need it to add to your compost heap later. Another reason to keep soil there is it creates more depth that helps keep the heap moist.

3. What material to begin with. Plant waste makes a good first layer, particularly weeds, grass trimmings, leaves, and twigs. Don't put branches in without breaking or chopping them up first. Pile this all up to, at least, a couple of inches. Remember, the volume will be reduced to less than a third after you're done. You'll realize this as your experience on how to start a compost pile progresses.

4. What to put in the second layer. Dry material that is rich in carbon makes a good second layer. If you have horse manure, put it in with some straw up to a couple of inches. Otherwise, use some fertilizer mixed with garden soil. Another alternative is shredded fiber egg crates or old newspapers. Just make sure you add in finely cut up plant waste as well. NEVER USE DOG OR CAT MANURE or any soil that has been contaminated with it!

5. What to use in the third layer. More plant waste goes into this layer, this time with roots and soil still attached. Save most of your weeds for this layer. If you didn't use soil in the second layer, add some now until you reach a couple of inches. Moisten if you live in fairly humid or wet weather. If it's a dry day, soak it, but don't fill the hole with water. You want your layers wet NOT submerged!

That's how to start a compost pile in five easy steps! Now, you can begin adding kitchen waste – just don't add any processed food (or meat!) to your pile.

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