by CE Wynn

Created on: September 26, 2010   Last Updated: September 27, 2010

The compost pile is the most important ingredient for any successful garden. A means of recycling all things once organic, it is possible to complete the cycle of consumption and return back to the soil what was once there. Compost not only enriches the soil will nutrients and minerals, improving the health and vigour of plants, but also increases the water holding capacity of the soil, and ensures the soil stays at a consistent temperature, reducing any damage associated with fluctuations of weather.

There are many different types of compost, all which have specific materials and methods to get the required result. The most common method used when referring to a compost pile, is hot composting. Although a little more complicated then other methods, hot compost piles, if created correctly provides the highest amount of nutrients and minerals to the garden.

• What is Hot Compost?

Hot compost, is made within a short period of time, usually around ten weeks. Due to this short decomposing time, these composts are higher in nutrients and minerals then other methods. When conditions are just right, bacteria begins to consume and reproduce at an outstanding rate, this creates heat, which in turn increases the decomposition of the compost.

Compost is much like making a cake, all that is required is the right amount of each ingredient, mixed together. Too much of one component can result in the compost not heating up enough, and although the end result will be compost, more time will be required for everything to decompose appropriately. The other side of the scale is too much heat, living organisms will not survive, and the pile can smoulder and the centre turn to ash. To get the perfect mix a good understanding of each element is required to make a successful compost pile.

• Nitrogen and Carbon

Although it is possible to add anything that was once alive into the compost pile, it is important to be mindful of the carbon to nitrogen balance, ideally 30:1. Differing materials, are made up of varying amounts of nitrogen and carbon, here are just a few examples.

  - Manures: generally high in nitrogen and a great starter as it will add bacteria to start the decomposing process. Some manures such as chicken and pig manure, are referred to as hot manures, meaning high in nitrogen. It is important to keep these materials to a minimum, otherwise the pile can generate so much heat, and the contents of the pile will begin to burn.

  - Garden waste:

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