First compost pile

clho 5/20/2012, 11:24 am

I started my first compost pile yesterday in a 3x3 square of wire fencing. Dug up the ground a bit and put about 4-inch pile of brush on the bottom. Layered 4 inches of dried leaves on top of that and then a sprinkle of bagged compost on top of that. Then I put a about two inches of dried grass clippings ... and now I'm a little confused.

Do I need to build up the green layer to four inches before I can add another layer of browns (I have more dried leaves in storage). I want to start putting coffee grounds and fruit and veggie peelings in there but I also don't want it to look like a garbage heap ...can I add them in daily and just mix them in with the grass a bit until I get to the four inches... I've read about using the browns to cut the wetness and smell of the greens, but then I'd be mixing the layers. Just how should I proceed ... and when do I start turning it?

**Kelejan** 5/20/2012, 2:58 pm

I don't think you have to have four inches of greens before you add a layer of browns, cicho. In any case you always need more brown to green.

There is thread about compost on one of the jhome pages that will tell you all about composting. Something like composting 101.

I find that I turn the pile over whenever I think of it and have the time and I get lots of lovely black stuff every year..

Edited to add: go the top of the page and find HOME; Compost is the sixth topic down. Very Happy


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First compost pile

First compost pile

Re: First compost pile