Cool Weather Comes to Middle Georgia

Just as the cold weather comes to middle Georgia, my compost pile has really begun to heat up of late. It seems that I have just the right amount of moisture in there at the moment.

Now, I have four compost piles going at one time, but one of them has not been producing much of anything the past few months. Until now.

Contrary to popular belief, compost piles are (a) not difficult, (b) do not take up too much time and effort, and (c) they do not smell. In fact, compost piles are easy, and a successful compost pile takes very little time and effort.

Compost is a soil conditioner that you can make in your own back yard. Indeed, your flowers, veggies, and anything you grow in your garden will benefit from it. Most probably, all the materials you need are either in your kitchen or in your back yard and flower beds.

The first thing you want to consider when starting your own compost pile is the location. To begin with, find a spot that has good drainage. In other words, you don’t want your compost pile at the bottom of a hill where standing water lies, soaking your pile.

Also look for a spot that gets partial sunlight throughout the day. If your compost remains in the direct sun all day long, it will quickly dry out. Likewise, compost that does not get any sunlight will decompose at a much slower rate, thus taking much longer to acquire the composted material you are looking for. As for the size, you really don’t want one larger than five feet by five feet, as it then becomes too heavy to stir. I have found that three feet by three feet is really quite ideal. I have simply taken three old wooden pallets and stood them up on their sides, making a U shape, with one side open, giving me free access.

In order for a compost pile to work effectively, there are a couple of requirements. First, you will want to layer your pile with both organic material and soil. Organic material includes all food scraps with the exception of fats and meats. Fruit and vegetable scraps are excellent, as well as breads, crushed egg shells, and even old, stale cookies. Along with this, materials from your garden are a necessity, as well. These include grass clippings, leaves, dead plants, small twigs, hay, straw, and even untreated sawdust. And, if you have a paper shredder at your disposal, it is an excellent addition to your compost pile, as well.

Place theses materials into your pile, add some top soil or active compost to your pile, as it will act this material will add the needed microbes that will help to break down your pile into the compost gold you are looking for. Make sure your pile has moisture, especially in the hot summer days, and simply stir your pile once a week with a garden fork, pitch fork, or even a shovel. This will allow the pile to get the air circulation it needs.

Let not your heart be troubled. It is as simple as that. Simply follow these instructions, and, as the old saying goes, “Compost happens.” The microbes will aid in the decomposing process, and you will have compost in no time. And now is a great time to start your compost pile. Enjoy!