The compost pile can initially be prepared in layers. This will facilitate decomposition by insuring proper mixing.
To build a compost pile, start with a 4-6 inch layer of chopped brush or other coarse material set on top of the soil. This will let air circulate under the base of the pile.
Next, add a 3-4 inch layer of low carbon organic material such as grass clippings. This material should be damp when added to the pile. On top of this, add a 4-6 inch layer of high carbon organic material (leaves or garden waste) which should also be damp.
On top of this, add a 1-inch layer of garden soil or finished compost. This layer will introduce the microorganisms needed to break down the organic matter.
Mix the layers of high carbon organic matter, low carbon organic matter and soil before adding another layer to the pile. This will ensure a speedy and even composting of the organic matter.
Repeat the "layering" process until the composting bin is filled.
Maintaining
For the passive compost pile, nothing more needs to be done.
For the active compost pile, maintenance will involve turning the pile and adding water to maintain conditions conducive to the composting process. In an active compost pile, the temperature will increase rapidly and soon reach about 110F. After about a week, the pile should be opened to the air and any compacted material should be loosened. The the pile should be reconstructed; material previously on the top and sides of the pile should be moved to the center.
After about another week, the pile should be turned again. Each time the material should be turned back to the center of the pile. At each turning, the moisture content should be checked using the squeeze test. Water should be added if necessary.
The compost will be finished when the pile cools off and decreases to about one-third of its original volume. It will be dark, crumbly, and have an earthy odor.
Non-Compostable Organic Materials
~ cheese ~ whole eggs
~ butter ~ milk
~ grease ~ mayonnaise
~ oil ~ sour cream
~ lard ~ salad dressing
~ bones ~ dog and cat manure
~ meat/fish ~ grasses that spread rhizomes
~ peanut butter ~ harmful or succulent weeds
~ plants with severe disease or insect infestations
Using Compost
If the compost contains many material that are not broken down, it is only partly decomposed. Adding partly decomposed compost to soil can reduce the amount of nitrogen available to plants. The microorganisms will continue to decompose but will use soil nitrogen for their own growth, restricting the nitrogen's availability to plants growing nearby. Allow partly decomposed compost particles to break down further or separate them out before using compost around growing plants. Or add extra nitrogen (such as in manure or commercial fertilizer) to ensure that growing plants will not suffer from a nitrogen deficiency.
Stable compost can be blended into soil mixes and is suitable for most outdoor planting projects. It is typically mixed with other ingredients such as peat moss, shredded bark, sand or loamy topsoil when used as an outdoor planting mix. Mixing ratios vary; but 10% compost is considered to be a minimum, 30% optimum, and 50% maximum in planting shrubs and trees
Carbon/Nitrogen Ratios of Some Common Organic Materials
Vegetable wastes
Alfalfa hay
Cow manure
Apple pomace
Leaves
Corn stalks
Oat straw
Wheat straw
Paper
Sawdust
Grass clippings
Coffee grounds
Bark
Fruit wastes
Poultry manure (fresh)
Horse manure
12-20:1
13:1
20:1
21:1
40-80:1
60:1
74:1
80:1
150-200:1
100-500:1
12-25:1
20:1
100-130:1
35:1
10:1
25:1