Building a Compost Pile

We rake leaves in the fall or spring, but what do you do with them after that? If your clever, you will start a compost pile and turn it into nutrient-rich soil for your garden. As the leaves break down, they turn into compost. When it is time to garden, add this wonderful soil to your planter boxes, or mix it into your garden soil. It will feed your plants from the ground up. Ideas for Falling Leaves and Grass Clippings

Composting is a quick and easy way to make nutrient rich soil for your plants to grow in. You can throw almost anything into a compost pile like leaves, weeds, grass clippings, and kitchen waste. Composting provides an environment for bacteria and other organisms to grow and use the matter for food. In the end, you are left with a soil that is rich in hummus. If you want wonderful rich soil, you can make your own. A compost pile when properly constructed heats up fast, decomposes quickly, does not smell, is easy to turn, and kills diseases, weed seeds and insects.

Set Up The Compost Pile

Find the right location for your compost pile. It needs to be on level ground and the soil should have adequate drainage. You don’t want the compost pile to sit in a puddle of water, or the material will rot and smell bad because it slows down the composting process of the organic material. The area should offer some protection from strong winds, otherwise the content will blow away. The location you decide for your compost pile should be close to the garden area, yet be a convenient place to dump the leaves, grass clippings and vegetable peelings. The less trips you have to make to transport the composted soil to your garden area, the better your back will feel. The area should be close to a water supply.

Some Unfavorable Locations

Some “do nots” include: Do not place the pile in full sun or in full shade. You’ll want your compost pile to be exposed to a half day of sun for ideal decomposition. Also do not choose a place that is close to the trees. The tree roots can grow up into the compost pile instead of deep in the ground like they should. When you turn the compost pile, you can damage the tree roots and this may harm your tree. If the only place you have is under a tree, lay down a brick foundation first. Do not place your compost pile next to wooden buildings, or fences because it can rot the wood. Do not place the compost pile near the places that you keep dogs or other animals. You do not want animal urine or droppings to be a part of the composting experience.