Homemade compost is the best thing you can use to keep your plants healthy, beautiful and bountiful. The micro-organisms that create the final product are the important active ingredient in this magical mixture. Store bought compost may not contain these micro-organisms or they may have been destroyed enroute to your garden by the packaging and shipping process.

Compost is relatively easy to make. The main steps and ingredients to successfuly creating compost are simple as Mother Nature provides all of them. There are two main methods of creating compost, a COLD process and a HOT process. The cold process involves the least effort on our part, but it may also take longer for the raw materials to be processed into the final product of mature compost. The hot process takes a bit more labor and knowledge but the extra steps will expedite a quality product for you to use. Follow these simple steps:

COLD PROCESS:
1) Provide a dark aerated container or shaded garden site where you plan to let the material compost without being disturbed. If using a container, you can purchase one from a garden supply store or create one of your own. Make sure the container is moisture proof and has ventillation and a drainage system to remove excess liquids from the bottom. You are trying to create a compatible environment for mico-organisms and worms to live in. They do not live well in drenched or arid conditions. Moderate temperatures are also ideal. Worms are very light sensitive and work best in a dark, cool (60-70 d) area.

Container options for outdoor composting: You only need to keep the materials in a pile so a container is not always necessary but some people use garden wire, recycled wooden pallets (non-pressure treated wood ONLY!*), plastic bins, etc. to keep the pile contained. Keep in mind that moderate temperature, moisture and shade are essential. If you keep your mico-organisms & worms happy they will work for you more efficiently.

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HOT PROCESS:
An open air pile of 3ft x 3ft x 3ft is the smallest recommended as the mass is needed to "heat up" the pile to expedite the decomposition process.

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