How to Start a Compost Pile

Help the Environment by Recycling Your Own Food Waste

by Sarra Jackson

Farmers have been using the techniques of composting to fertilize their soil for centuries. Part of being more environmentally friendly these days includes giving back to the earth, and composting can replenish soil nutrients in 5 to 10 years which might take thousands of years to reoccur naturally. Even if you don’t have a yard, making your own compost pile will also help to keep you from adding unnecessary food waste to landfills.

There are several different ways you can make your own compost pile. Most people prefer it to be outdoors, but it is possible to designate an area inside by using a bin. If it is properly made, it will not attract pests, rodents, or even develop a strong smell. For a backyard compost pile, you may need to get permission from your homeowner’s association depending on the rules of your neighborhood. Those with their own compost pile can save money and help their garden by spreading the compost over flower gardens, under shrubs, or in flower pots.

Before starting a compost pile, it is best to do some research, so you understand the process. There needs to be an equal amount of green and brown ingredients with alternating layers of organic materials. Brown ingredients include twigs, branches, and brown leaves while green ingredients are things like grass clippings, fruit scraps, and vegetable waste.

To start a backyard compost pile, find a dry and shady spot that is near a source of water. Then, chop up or shred any large objects that are to be put into the pile.  This will help break them down, so it will not take as long for the compost pile to be ready. It is best to have saved up various brown and green materials over a good period of time for this method.

Next, start with a six-inch layer of brown materials across your compost area. On top of that, add a three inch layer of green materials mixed with some soil. Once this is done, lightly mix the layer of brown and green materials. Once the pile is slightly mixed, top it with a three inch layer of brown materials. Then add water until the pile is moist.

Most of your work is now finished. All that is left for you to do is turn the compost pile with a pitchfork every one to two weeks. This helps mix air and moisture throughout the pile. Also move any dry materials around the edges into the middle of the pile.

There are some things that should not be in a compost pile. The EPA has a list of these materials and why they should be left out. Following these steps means your compost pile will be ready in one to four months. There is really not a wrong way to make a compost pile. Following the same guidelines for an outdoor compost pile and adding proper organic materials will lead you to success, even if making one for the indoors.  An indoor compost pile is begun by using garbage cans and can have compost ready in two to five weeks.

Either way, a compost pile is a great way to save money on expensive compost and is an excellent way to put to use your food scraps and dead branches and leaves.