Composting Procedures

Check with local ordinances to discover if any local laws apply to composting. This might include where you can locate a compost pile, or if you can even have one.

Select a flat dirt site for your compost pile, at least 6-feet square. Don't locate the compost pile next to a building, under a tree or near water runoff that goes to a water supply. While you want to situate the compost in an area away from the pets, it should be convenient for you and near a garden hose.

Add a 5-inch layer of organic material to begin the compost pile. This includes yard trimmings, leaves, eggshells, straw, coffee grinds, vegetable and fruit trimmings and shredded paper. Keep the pile between 3- and 5-feet square, for ease of maintenance. The pieces added to the pile should be small, so they readily decompose.

Cover the first layer with 2 inches of cow or horse manure, or manure from a grain-fed animal. If you don't have manure, add about 1 cup of fertilizer, either 12-12-12 or 10-10-10, spread evenly over the first layer.

Shovel regular garden soil over the two layers, adding a 1- to 2-inch top layer.

Sprinkle water over the compost pile. Keep the pile damp, like a wrung out sponge. Don't allow the pile to dry out or get soggy.

Turn the pile once a week, using a pitchfork.

Add new matter to the pile by burying it in the center of the pile.