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2torial #0847:
Learn2 Make a Compost Pile (continued)
 Pile it on
Oftentimes, gardeners have materials or space
that's sufficient for only one pile at a time. But
if you're starting out with a lot of materials,
space, and time to spend, consider building up to
three piles. One pile stores new raw materials, a
second pile actually making compost you're actively
turning (at least once a day, for this method) and
a third pile that contains finished compost that's
ready to be added to the garden or to houseplants.
As the second, active pile is completed, you move
its contents over to the third pile for storage
with the other finished compost, and move the new
raw materials from the first pile into the newly
emptied second pile.
If this seems like too much, forget about it!
Just build a single pile and harvest the finished
compost from the bottom of the pile.
Start with a layer of grass clippings about four
to six inches thick (10-15 cm). Then add a
shovelful of dirt. The dirt contains the
microorganisms to get the pile going. Then add
about two to four inches (5 to 10 cm) of shredded
newspapers, leaves or other carbonaceous materials.
Add another shovelful of dirt. Add some high
nitrogen ingredient, such as dried blood. You may
have to experiment to see how many scoops of blood
to add to your pile, depending upon type and
quantity of materials you've added. (When adding
manure, skip the shovelful of dirt for that layer.
Manure has plenty of microorganisms in it, not to
mention worms to help with the decomposing
process.) Continue alternating nitrogenous and
carbonaceous ingredients with shovelfuls of dirt
included, and boosts of fish emulsion, fish meal or
dried blood. These materials will speed up the
cooking process by adding nitrogen to the pile.
 Step
6
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