Creating Compost

Any pile of organic material will eventually rot and create compost, but by following a few pointers, your composting will be easier and more successful.

Chose a good location for your compost:

A well drained, level area is ideal for creating compost.  The closer it is to the house, the more convenient it will be to add organic materials to your compost so don't put it too far away so you neglect maintaining your compost.  In cooler climates, it helps to put the pile in a location that receives sunlight.  In warmer, dryer climates, put your compost pile in a shadier spot so it doesn't dry out too quickly.

If possible try to look for an area that allows you to compost discretely, especially if you have neighbors close by.

Build the pile over soil or grass instead of hard surface like concrete, in order to take advantage of the earthworms, microbes, and other decomposers naturally existing inside the ground.


What Container to Use for Composting:

There are many different methods of composting, traditionally ranging from an open pile in your backyard, to an inexpensive self-constructed bin, to a shop bought plastic bin. Pick whichever method works best for you and your situation.

Choose a bin If you want compost fast or plan to compost food scraps. You should choose a plastic bin, preferably with a lid. Bins contain your compost pile and help to mask its appearance.

Start Composting!

For any successful compost pile, it must include of the right kind of materials with the right balance of these materials. Almost any organic material is suitable for composting, but the pile needs an equal ratio of

Carbon rich materials - Browns
Nitrogen rich materials - Greens

Among the brown are "woody" materials. Dried leaves, straw, sawdust and wood chips for example. Nitrogen materials are fresh or green, things such as grass clippings and kitchen scraps.

Mixing certain types of materials or changing the proportions will alter the rate of decomposition. Achieving an ideal mix is more an art gained through experience than an exact science. The ideal ratio is 25 parts browns to 1 part greens. Judge the amounts roughly by weight. Too much carbon will cause the pile to break down too slowly, while too much nitrogen can cause odor. The carbon provides energy for the organisms, and the nitrogen provides the protein.