How To Build A Compost Pile

Composting is a great way to covert biodegradable wastes to valuable organic matter. The basic process involves the decomposition of plant and animal matter into rich soil. This organic soil is rich in minerals, which are then used for organic farming. As such, it is a very good way to recycle waste, and contributes towards lessening the burden on the ecosystem. Households can use composting to get rid of kitchen wastes, and since it does not require much time, energy, or money, it is a viable option. Natural composting takes a long time, but by providing the ideal environment, it can be hastened. Earthworms are excellent agents to increase the decomposition rate. Waste dumps, which occupy thousands of acres of land, can be converted into fertile ground by separating the organic and inorganic wastes. The organic wastes can then be set for composting. In several years, these will generate enough compost to make us cut down on fertilizers.

Building A Composting Pile

For Large Gardens

Select a place in your garden that doesn’t come in your way or sight. Collect dried and green organic materials, with more of the dried materials. Keep on heaping green and brown debris till, the pile is about three cubic feet in size or more. Sprinkle water to increase the moisture level. Protect the pile from the rain by putting a shed or a tarpaulin cover, over it. At least once a week, use a shovel to turn the pile. This increases the aeration, and rate of decomposition.
If a dirty heap on the garden is too bothersome, then dig a 4x4x4 feet hole in the garden. Fill it up with dried and green debris in the ratio 2:1. Use vegetable matter from the kitchen. Throw in earthworms and a shovel full of garden compost. This will kick-start the process of decomposition. Two times a week, turn the pile inside out.

For The Lawn And Terrace Garden

When space is of constraint, it is better to make a compost pile that doesn’t take too much space, or spill. Take a small drum or a garbage can and bore several small holes in it. Start filling it with green and dried organic matter, not at once but adding on day by day. Even newspapers can be used. Dampen by sprinkling water, but do not make it too wet. Cover it and place the container in a sheltered corner, where it can get the light and air but no rain. Check the moisture level every week to prevent it from drying and regularly mix, either by rolling the container or using a stick for turning the contents.

Bin For Composting Kitchen Scraps

This method requires the exclusive use of earthworms. Earthworms, breakdown the vegetable, and food materials into organic matter in very less time. Build a compost bin with wood or concrete and cover it with a lid.
Make a bedding of moss, dried leaves, shredded newspapers, or cardboard. Moisten the bed with water and add the earthworms. When the earthworms have gone inside the bedding, make a hole on it, and add the kitchen matter.
Cover up the hole and close the lid. This doesn’t require any turning or mixing as the earthworms perform the task. So, it is very good for generating large amounts of compost. Every six months, harvest the compost and add new beddings. The worms will automatically move into the new beddings.

Wire Mesh Composting Pile

This is easy to make and is very inexpensive. Take about 11 feet long and 40 inches wide galvanized chicken wire and form it into a circle, in the place, you selected for composting. Place wooden posts inside the wire mesh for support by tying the posts to the mesh, and pounding them into the ground.
Build a pile of dried and green organic waste. Add water to moisten. The benefit of a wire mesh is that the compost formed at the bottom of the pile can be taken out without disturbing the decomposing compost at the top.

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