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Not only do we have coffee grounds to dispose of, but we also have newspapers and vegetable clippings (leaves & stems)to use. Our compost pile is under a black plastic sheet in the back yard.

First spread another piece of black plastic in an easily accessible area away from the house. It may be in the shade of a tree, but should mostly be in the sun. Tear strips of newspaper, crumple them, then sprinkle or dump wet coffee grounds, onion peelings, and other inedible vegetable parts over the papers. Wet down with some water, not too much. Then place of more crumpled newspaper strips, and cover with the second piece of black plastic. Be sure to anchor the edges with something to keep the wind from blowing the upper sheet of plastic. Rocks, 2x4's, metal pipes, etc., can be used.

I have a small lidded garbage can in the house, which I empty onto the compost pile about twice a week, adding a little more water each time. About once per month, use a small, long-handled shovel and turn the compost. When you have done this, and it is rotting sufficiently, let it stay covered for about a month, then add to soil around bedding plants, trees and shrubs, and anywhere the soil is becoming depleted of nutrients.

In the meantime, start a second composting spot in the same manner, allowing the first compost pile to "ripen" for use. Length of time needed will vary with your climate and amount of refuse for composting. Adding nutrients back into the soil will build your yard and garden into one very healthy place.

Learn more about this author, Vicky Cheshire-Wade.
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