Last weekend we built two compost stalls using pallets. I had three bins that were completely full that were just hanging around waiting for the stalls to be built. For the most part they are finished with the exceptiong of the leaves we'd been using for browns.
We emptied the bind into one stall and in the other we put our raked leaves. What I've been doing is digging a hole on the mostly finished pile and pouring our green scraps in and then covering it up with the moved compost. Then I have some hedge trimmings I've been laying over the whole pile that I put back into place.
Is this the proper technique when we don't generate enough greens every day or so to make a complete layer? Should I abandon the pile and start adding to the other stall that just has leaves?
I've only used bins and my only expirence with piled was the massive pile that my dad had. He took "compost happens" approach and never turned the pile.
Thanks a bunch!
Farmgirl #2161 Just tryin' to homestead in the middle of a suburban neighborhood! Blog~ http://thelittleboygreen.com <<I've been slackin' on the updates!
sherry
bend in the high desert
oregon
USA
3775 Posts
Posted - Nov 06 2010 : 07:23:49 AM
good morning, you have 2 choices for compost. aerobic which is adding air by turning often. or anaerobic no air your dads pile no air slow to compost but it will over time.when making compost moisture is key. without it nothing happens. we also cover ours in winter keeps all the good stuff in. layers are good. smaller pieces are better. so dirt then scraps then grass or dirt on top.sometimes i can get scraps from my neighbors too this helps. just a thought sherrye
the learn as we go silk purse farm farm girl #1014
So it would be a better idea to dump my scraps on top then cover with some leaves and shredded paper. Then once a week or so I should mix everything up? I'd like to have compost for spring planting.
What do you cover your pile with in the winter?
Farmgirl #2161 Just tryin' to homestead in the middle of a suburban neighborhood! Blog~ http://thelittleboygreen.com <<I've been slackin' on the updates!
Proper composting technique
Posted - Nov 04 2010 : 07:22:59 AM
