By starting your own compost pile at home, ... Layering: Begin with a layer of coarse materials like twigs or straw to provide airflow at the bottom.

Composting is an affordable, sustainable solution for creating the best possible soil improver. Discover your ideal method, steps for success, and how to get the most out of your homemade black gold.

To start the pile, create a base layer on bare soil with 6-12 inches of wood chips or chopped tree branches, then add alternating 6-inch layers of damp green materials such as grass clippings and ...

The compost pile will give you hints as to whether the mix is a good one. ... Next, add a thin layer of soil or finished compost, which serves as a source of microorganisms.

Jack Goodwin - Victoria County Master Gardener Edited by Charla Borchers Leon Jan 18, 2018 Jan 18, 2018 Updated Mar 12, 2018 Gardeners are blessed people. We can work (play) in the dirt (soil ...

Water your compost pile. Once you’ve built your layered pile, water it. Watering your pile is essential for the breakdown of organic materials; it’s how they’re converted into compost.

A question for Dan Gill: I am doing my best to compost, but the materials I have available are oak and maple leaves during the fall and spring and plenty ...

Turning the pile at least once a week allows oxygen to reach microorganisms that break down organic matter. Turn the pile with a pitchfork, compost tumbler or by rolling a sealed bin on the ground. 3.

Sure, you can put yard waste out with the trash or recycle pine needles, pine cones and branches at community recycling programs.But why not put garden debris to work ...