Compost pile

Kate888 2/17/2012, 1:20 pm

Can I start out composting by just making a pile in the yard? I tend to be a starter and not a finisher, and haven't always kept up with my gardens like I should. I also tried to compost about a dozen years ago and my hubby made me a bin out of pallets. I never had any success with it. :-( So, while he's willing to let me spend some money to start the garden, I don't even dare ask him to build a compost or put any money into it right now.

The difference this time is that I no longer have babies or toddlers. I have 8 children, but three are adults now (two at home one married) and my baby turns 6 this year. I'm a full-time homeschooling mom, which means I am home and now my youngest are helpers instead of tiny ones that require so much time.

So, I'll make another stab at composting if I don't have to invest money or hubby's time. And if it goes well, then I could possibly get a container.

tomperrin 2/17/2012, 1:28 pm

I have a cold compost pile from last year. I never tended it. I just dumped lawn trash, leaves, garden trash, over ripe cukes, etc. and otherwise ignored it. A few weeks ago I dug some out, sifted it, and it was beautiful black gold.

Bear in mind that this was not hot compost. If the pile ever heated up, I was not aware of it. I never turned it over. So I expect weed seeds and will deal with them in due course.

It will work better if you don't put any woody material in it.

And, it does take a long time.

Lavender Debs 2/17/2012, 1:32 pm

Yep, you can and should. It isn't like making sourdough bread BUT it does help to have some starter. High protein dog food, alfalfa pellets (unmedicated like rabbit pellets or garden pellets) and of course boxed compost activator all help add heat. BUT so do grass clippings.

Get to it and all the best!

**llama momma** 2/17/2012, 1:35 pm

If you choose to buy animal feeds, go for a vegetable based food with protein level of 14% or more. At least thats what my compost book recommends.

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Compost pile

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