You make a compost pile by layering brown (carbon-rich) and green (nitrogen-rich) materials in a roughly 4:1 ratio.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Building Your Compost Pile: The Essentials
The key to a successful compost pile is the right balance of ingredients, moisture, and aeration. Think of it as feeding beneficial microbes that break down organic matter into nutrient-rich compost.
Layering Browns and Greens
- Brown Materials (Carbon): These provide energy for the microbes. Examples include:
- Dry leaves
- Sawdust or small wood chips
- Shredded newspaper or cardboard
- Straw
- Green Materials (Nitrogen): These provide protein for the microbes. Examples include:
- Grass clippings
- Food scraps (vegetable and fruit peels, coffee grounds)
- Garden waste (weeds, green trimmings)
- Manure (from herbivores like cows, horses, or chickens)
Ideal Ratio: Aim for a 4:1 ratio of browns to greens. This ensures a good balance of carbon and nitrogen for optimal decomposition. If your pile is too wet and smelly, add more browns. If it's dry and not decomposing, add more greens.
How to Layer:
- Choose a Location: Select a well-drained spot in your yard. A sunny location will help heat the pile, but partial shade is also fine.
- Start with a Layer of Browns: Begin with a 4-6 inch layer of brown materials like dry leaves or shredded cardboard. This provides a base for aeration and drainage.
- Add a Layer of Greens: Follow with a 1-2 inch layer of green materials, such as grass clippings or food scraps.
- Water Each Layer: Moisten each layer as you build the pile. The compost should be damp, like a wrung-out sponge.
- Repeat: Continue alternating layers of browns and greens, maintaining the 4:1 ratio.
- Pile Size: A pile that is roughly 3 feet by 3 feet by 3 feet is a good size. Smaller piles may not retain enough heat, while larger piles can become difficult to manage.
Maintaining Your Compost Pile
- Turning: Turn the pile every 1-2 weeks to aerate it. This provides oxygen for the microbes and speeds up decomposition. Use a pitchfork or shovel to turn the materials from the outside to the inside.
- Moisture: Monitor the moisture level and add water as needed to keep the pile damp.
- Troubleshooting:
- Smelly Pile: Add more brown materials to absorb excess moisture and reduce odors.
- Dry Pile: Add water to moisten the materials.
- Slow Decomposition: Turn the pile more frequently to aerate it and ensure the brown-to-green ratio is balanced. Consider adding a compost starter or activator.
What Not to Compost:
- Meat, dairy, and oily foods (attract pests and create odors)
- Pet waste (can contain harmful pathogens)
- Diseased plants (can spread disease in your garden)
- Chemically treated yard waste (can contaminate the compost)
- Black walnut tree leaves or twigs (contain juglone, which can inhibit plant growth)
By following these steps, you can create a thriving compost pile that will provide you with valuable nutrient-rich compost for your garden.
