How do I start a compost pile?
  1. Place your pile or bin in a semi-shady location. Mix in layers of the following (These are materials rich in brown carbon, then add with green nitrogen-rich materials such as vegetable kitchen scraps, grass clippings and horse manure, of brown carbon rich materials.):
    • Dry grass
    • Hay
    • Leaves
    • Pine needles
    • Sawdust
  2. Use about 50% greens and 50% browns in your mix.
  3. Water when necessary to keep the mix damp, but not soggy.
  4. After a few days, the center of the pile should be hot (up to 140 degrees) and steamy - that's the compost process at work!
  5. Water and turn the pile with a shovel or pitchfork each week to expose all material to high heat of the center of the pile.

A guide to composting in your home can be found online.

Show All Answers

1. How do I build a compost bin?
2. How do I start a compost pile?
3. When is the compost ready?
4. How do I use my compost?
5. Can I use compost in the vegetable garden?
6. How do I use compost in the flower garden.
7. What can be composted?
8. What cannot be composted?
9. What is "compost watering"?
10. Where can I get more information or resources about composting?