by Angie Pollock

Created on: September 27, 2008

Composting happens naturally in our environment on a regular basis. Organisms break down natural waste such as leaves and grass into a nutrient-rich food for new plants to thrive. This is nature's way of recycling. Composting by gardeners is a way to turn items that would normally be thrown into the garbage into a valuable resource for the yard and garden.

WHERE TO BEGIN?

Begin by deciding where to keep your compost pile. There are many options available for purchasing or making a compost bin or with enough room, a compost pile can be made right on the ground. If using a compost bin keep in mind that it will need ventilation and placed in a convenient location.

There are two types of compost piles, a hot pile and a cold pile. The difference in the two is basically the time involved in breaking down the matter and the temperature. A hot pile produces a large amount of compost quickly. All matter is added to the pile at once, add water to the brown layer, cover with a tarp or black plastic and keep an eye on the temperature by using a probe thermometer. It is important not to use a white tarp as white reflects heat.

Within a few days the temperature of the hot pile should reach at least 140 degrees. When the temperature begins to drop, turn the pile and moisten only if necessary. The feeding conditions for the bacteria to break down the compost needs to be above 90 degrees. This is not the air temperature but the actual compost temperature.

The cold compost pile takes longer to turn into usable compost but is the typical pile produced and utilized by gardeners. The bacteria that breaks down the compost in a cold pile works in moderate temperatures, under 90 degrees. If the compost temperature rises above 90 degrees then you have a hot pile. After the waste has been added to the compost pile, add water as needed and turn the compost from the middle to the edges every couple of months. A steady supply of waste can be added to the pile and worked into the pile as needed. Starting your compost pile from a cold pile will take approximately one year before you have a fully finished compost.

WHAT CAN BE ADDED TO A COMPOST PILE?

Almost any natural matter can be added to a compost pile. It is more important to remember what not to add to your compost pile. These items include diseased plants, weeds that have gone to seed, coal ashes, meat, manure from non-herbivore animals and lawn clippings that may contain pesticides. Items that can be added to a compost pile include but

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