New compost pile

Jim0753 10/16/2011, 8:39 am

I just got into SFG and I'm about to start a compost pile, but I need a couple of questions answered first.

1. I have been dumping leaves and grass clippings in the back of my property for 5 years. If I dig that up and let it dry, will it be ok?

2. Does a compost pile have to be covered?

Thanks for your help............Jim

**camprn** 10/16/2011, 8:50 am

Hi Jim, my guess is that at the bottom of that pile is COMPOST! WOOT!!If you scrape off the top layer and take a peek at what you have at the bottom, more than likely you may be able to just use it, no drying necessary. The stuff that you have scraped off that old pile, that still looks like leaves, you can use that in your new pile. Very Happy

Some folks cover the compost pile, but I do not.
There are a lot of threads on this forum about composting, which you can find using the search feature. Here is a good one to start with Compost 101. <~~~~Click
If you have any more questions do not hesitate to ask! Very Happy

BackyardBirdGardner 10/16/2011, 1:42 pm

Oh yeah....if you've been doing this for "years" you have compost at the bottom. And, I bet it's the best compost ever. Just dig down to it and use it......buggies and all. Just toss the all in the SFG. Your veggies will thank you for it.

Quick tips that you will also find in your searching...

- 3x3x3 foot minimum size if you decide you want to speed things up with a little heat generation.

- Turn that pile a bit more often if you want to speed things up.

Me? Nah....I'm too lazy. I don't have a pile....I have a bump. I don't add much moisture....I let it rain. I do, however, turn it, because I get excercise that way. And, my compost takes longer to make, but it makes it all the same.

If you can't recognize what it was when you tossed it in, you have compost. Have fun with it.

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