The question that has been asked by many a friend and neighbor is, how do you make compost pile? To which I generally reply with, oh my gosh, it is so easy... where do I begin?

Positioning your compost pile

Foremost you need to situate your compost pile in the sun, as this will speed up the composting process. I positioned mine out of sight of the house as unfortunately they are not the prettiest sight. If you are after something a bit easier on the eye, then I suggest that you look into making a compost bin. Another alternative being a compost tumbler, as they will turn your scraps into compost over a few weeks instead of months like a traditional compost.

What to put in your compost pile

• vegetable scraps
• leaves
• flowers
• teabags
• grass clippings
• plant cuttings
• egg cartons
• shredded paper
• cardboard
• egg shells

What NOT to put in your compost pile

• diseased plants
• dairy products
• meat
• dog or cat litter
• diapers
• perennial weeds
• weeds with seeds
• plastic
• glass

The key to a good compost pile is to prevent unpleasant smells that could attract unwanted pests. And I feel that logic prevails with not adding plastic, glass and metal as they DO NOT decompose. The breakdown of plant matter is the basis of any good soil fertility and affects the health of the organisms that inhibit it.The quality of your compost will depend on what you put into it and taking the time to turn it for aeration to help with its natural decomposition. You will need even distribution of brown and green matter for your compost to breakdown naturally without creating and odor.

You will find that a lot of the materials needed to make compost pile are already on hand. I have found it beneficial to ask friends and neighbors for their organic matter to help with the build up of my compost pile. Most happy to oblige as it removes it from their section and keeps it out of the landfill in which it was obviously destined. I love that I am both helping the environment and my soil.

You will see an increase in the volume of earth worms in and around your compost pile. They just love eating all your garden waste, and their waste is your gain. Earthworms are a welcome sight in any garden as it is a sign of healthy soil. Being the little burrowers that they are, creating tunnels in the soil for natural aeration and allows the water to drain through naturally.

I would like to encourage you to make a compost pile if you have not had one before, especially if you are keen on good yields in your vegetable garden. So, whether as a mulch, soil fertilizer or as potting compost, you will discover that you can never have enough compost.