Compost pile

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.

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.

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.