where can you put a compost pile

You can put the compost pile a short walk from the house and keep sufficient space so you can turn it well. Keep it in a shaded area away from intense sunlight. Don’t put it on pavement or concrete and protect it from windy or wet conditions.

Full Answer

Where should I put my compost bin?

Your compost bin should be easily accessible, but not in a place where occasional smells or leaching liquids will cause a nuisance. Place it on level, well-drained ground and make sure the location gets some sunlight. If the compost gets too cold this will slow down the composting process. A well chosen site can make all the difference.

What to compost at home?

At a very basic level, what to compost is as simple as anything made from organic material, but not all organic material is safe for most home compost piles. Without a doubt, the following materials are safe for your compost pile:

Can you put a compost pile on the pavement?

You should not place a compost pile on a paved surface because the ground may get stained. The pavement will also make it harder for the organisms to burrow through the soil and reach the compost. If you have a worm bin, you can store it on concrete or pavement. However, if you have a pile, things will get more complex.

Can I compost indoors without a compost pile?

If you do not have space for an outdoor compost pile, you can compost materials indoors using a special type of bin, which you can buy at a local hardware store, gardening supplies store, or make yourself. Remember to tend your pile and keep track of what you throw in.

Should compost pile be in sun or shade?

sunYou can put your compost pile in the sun or in the shade, but putting it in the sun will hasten the composting process. Sun helps increase the temperature, so the bacteria and fungi work faster. This also means that your pile will dry out faster, especially in warm southern climates.

How far away should a compost pile be?

However, this should not be an issue if your bin is slightly away from your home. A distance of 10 to 20 feet works the best for most people as it is sufficiently distant to keep bad odor at bay, yet so near that you can visit it every day.

What should you not compost?

What NOT to CompostMeat and Fish Scraps.Dairy, Fats, and Oils.Plants or Wood Treated with Pesticides or Preservatives.Black Walnut Tree Debris.Diseased or Insect-Infested Plants.Weeds that Have Gone to Seed.Charcoal Ash.Dog or Cat Waste.

Does a compost bin have to be on the ground?

Myth 1: Compost bins must sit on soil Worms will successfully make their way into a compost bin sitting on a hard surface. A thick layer of cardboard or newspaper at the base of the bin will help to attract them.

Do compost bins attract rats?

Rats are attracted to compost bins and heaps as a source of food, shelter and as a warm dry place to nest.

Will compost attract animals?

All kinds of animals are attracted to compost piles. From raccoons to coyotes, badgers to javelina, and foxes to skunks, all kinds of animals will welcome the addition of a compost pile.

Can you put banana peels in compost?

So, You Can Use Banana Peels in a Compost Pile Banana peels represent a widely overlooked source of organic material that can be used to turn leftover food scraps into nutrient-rich compost for your containers or your garden plants.

What vegetables should not be composted?

Plants that should never be compostedTomatoes. Unless you are 100% sure that they are healthy, it is best to avoid composting tomatoes. ... Weeds. ... Treated wood, wood scraps, and sawdust. ... Black walnut trees. ... Pepper. ... Large branches. ... Rice. ... Diseased plants.More items...•

Is it OK to put weeds in a compost pile?

Yes. As far as composting goes, weeds aren't any more difficult to compost than other plants so they shouldn't be wasted. If you are following general weed advice and removing them whilst they are young, the weeds will breakdown and make excellent compost quickly.

How far should compost be from house?

10 feetDon't put it Against the House Occasionally compost can attract unwanted visitors! For example, flies are attracted by decomposing kitchen waste. There are all kinds of bugs that visit a compost pile. If you don't want them visiting your house then keep the bin at least 10 feet from your home.

How often should compost be turned?

every 4-5 weeksThe average composter turns the pile every 4-5 weeks. When turning the compost pile, make sure that materials in the center are brought to the outsides, and that materials from the outside edges are brought to the center.

Do you need worms to compost?

You do not need to add worms to your compost pile. Outside, composting happens with and without the help of earthworms. Worms will usually find their own way to a compost pile.

What is the best location in preparing a compost bed or pile?

Creating Your Compost Heap An area with partial sun or shade is also ideal. Too much sun can dry the pile out, while too much shade can keep it overly wet. Finally, choose a site that is easy for you to get to and avoid areas near dogs or other meat-eating animals.

Should I tarp my compost pile?

You should definitely cover finished compost. Otherwise, if it's exposed to the elements, the compost will break down further and lose nutrients as they leach into the surrounding soil.

How often should compost be turned?

every 4-5 weeksThe average composter turns the pile every 4-5 weeks. When turning the compost pile, make sure that materials in the center are brought to the outsides, and that materials from the outside edges are brought to the center.

Can compost get rained on?

Wind cools and dries the pile, while excessive rain results in coldness, waterlogging, leaching of plant nutrients, and slowing of the composting process. Excess rain tends to sour compost, because anaerobic (airless) decay predominates instead of aerobic decomposition.

Warm but Not Too Hot

A hot corner of your garden will undoubtedly produce compost quickly, but if it’s too hot the compost will dry out. Composting requires a well balanced level of moisture to work properly. Avoid areas with intense sunlight. The composting process works better when the pile remains moist, so avoid any spots which risk overheating the bin.

Avoid Windy Sites

In a similar way to very sunny locations, if you put the bin somewhere windy, it will dry out. You want the pile to remain humid. If you can, pick a spot which has natural or man-made windbreakers.

An Easily Accessible Location

It’s a good idea to site your bin not too far from the house so that composting kitchen waste is easy. A big distance means you might be reluctant to make the trip to your compost heap! And if it’s too far you will probably stop tending to your compost.

Somewhere with Working Space

Just like leaving access for a wheelbarrow, you also need some space to work in front of your bin. For best results, compost needs regular mixing. If you have a compost tumbler then this isn’t a problem.

Put it Near your Plants

Compost is fairly dense and heavy. Ideally, when you’re ready to use your compost you don’t want to have to carry the stuff long distances. If your compost bin is sited near to where you tend your plants, this could be an advantage.

Choose a Level, Well-Drained Site

You obviously need a reasonably level surface to site your bin, but the ground surface should also be well-drained, especially if you’re using an open bottomed bin. Even though you want your compost to stay moist, too much water is equally bad. If the compost sits too long in stagnant water you’ll end up with a smelly mess.

Leave Room for Growth

You may start out with one compost bin in your backyard, but some keen gardeners set up multiple bins. Additional bins can be reserved for a specific kind of waste. Alternatively a “three bin” composting system is a good way to manage large amounts of waste material, and get compost at various stages of readiness.

How to make a compost pile?

To build a compost pile, start by putting down a layer of carbon, which includes materials like leaves, straw, corn stalks, and small twigs. Then, add a layer of nitrogen on top of that, which can be things like manure, vegetable waste, grass clippings, and garden debris. Finally, add a layer of topsoil.

Why is it important to build a compost pile?

Given time and exposure to elements, organic material will break down on its own. But you can also speed the process up. That's where composting comes in. Compost provides excellent nutrition for plants, builds the soil, feeds beneficial microbes, and keeps valuable resources out of landfills. Not to mention it's fun! Here's how to build your very own compost pile.

What to do if a pile is too untidy?

If you decide that a pile is too untidy for you, do a search about building a compost bin. There are as many ways to make a bin as there are gardeners. The type of composter that is the easiest to use is one that can be turned.

What can you not put in compost pile?

Know what not to put in your pile. You can compost anything that rots — except greasy or diseased plants. Foods like cheese or meat do not decay properly and will lead to rodent and non-beneficial insect problems.

How to make composting more efficient?

If you decide you want a faster, more efficient means of composting, try using a composting bin and introduce your own vermicompost system. Because of the enclosure, compost bins are generally more efficient at breaking down organic materials than compost piles.

Why do you need to look at compost piles?

The reason the pile must be easily accessible is because you will be using it — a lot.

Why does my compost pile smell rotten?

Remember that too much water will drown the microbes and chase away the worms; this can also cause the pile to get a "rotten" odor. If the pile gets too dry, the decay process stops. Aim for evenly moist.

What should be in a compost pile?

Your compost pile should have an equal amount of browns to greens. You should also alternate layers of organic materials of different-sized particles. The brown materials provide carbon for your compost, the green materials provide nitrogen, and the water provides moisture to help break down the organic matter.

What are some ways to make a compost pile?

Helpful tools include pitchforks, square-point shovels or machetes, and water hoses with a spray head. Regular mixing or turning of the compost and some water will help maintain the compost.

What are the basic things that are needed to reduce waste?

Reducing Wasted Food Basics. Greens - This includes materials such as grass clippings, vegetable waste, fruit scraps, and coffee grounds. Water - Having the right amount of water, greens, and browns is important for compost development. Your compost pile should have an equal amount of browns to greens. You should also alternate layers of organic ...

What is composting in the garden?

U.S. Department of Agriculture Backyard Composting Tip Sheet. Compost is organic material that can be added to soil to help plants grow. Food scraps and yard waste together currently make up more than 30 percent of what we throw away, and could be composted instead.

How long does it take to make compost?

When the material at the bottom is dark and rich in color, your compost is ready to use. This usually takes anywhere between two months to two years.

What are the benefits of composting?

Benefits of Composting. Enriches soil, helping retain moisture and suppress plant diseases and pests. Reduces the need for chemical fertilizers. Encourages the production of beneficial bacteria and fungi that break down organic matter to create humus, a rich nutrient-filled material.

Can you make a worm compost bin indoors?

Learn how to create and maintain an indoor worm composting bin. If you do not have space for an outdoor compost pile, you can compost materials indoors using a special type of bin, which you can buy at a local hardware store, gardening supplies store, or make yourself.

What goes into a compost pile?

If you’ve already started composting, you’ve probably got the basic idea of what goes onto the pile. You’re already dumping your peels, cores, leaves, clippings and coffee grounds. You’re already thinking about your browns and greens, gathering them from your kitchen and yard. If you want to take composting to the next level, and reduce your household waste even further, here’s a list of some less-discussed items that can also get tossed in your composting bin or tumbler.

Can glossy magazines be composted?

Glossy magazines don’t make for good compost, but thin printed paper can go on the pile. Help it break down faster by shredding it. According to composting guidelines from the Cornell University Waste Management Institute, most newspapers today are printed with non-toxic inks and pose no health risk. 2.

What animals can be attracted to decomposition?

Many can slow the decomposition process down, while others attract rodents, raccoons and other unwanted pests.

Can meat be composted?

Along the same lines as fat, grease and oil, meats are a big no-no for composting.

Can you keep compost bins healthy?

But by simply avoiding placing some of these “trouble-causing” materials in your compost bins, you can keep your pile healthy and thriving.

Should you remove seed cores before placing in compost pile?

Seed cores should be removed before placing in the pile compost pile .

Can you put grease in a pile?

Adding fat, or greasy foods with heavy cooking oil to a pile is like putting a welcome mat out for pests. Raccoon, mice, and yes, even rats are easily attracted to piles that are greasy and fatty. In addition, all of that fat and grease can cause extremely foul odors.

Can fertilizer be passed on to compost?

The chemicals and herbicides found in lawn fertilizers can easily be passed on throughout an entire compost pile.

Can compost kill pathogens?

Most backyard compost pile s never reach a high enough temperature to kill pathogens and spore s.

What to put in compost?

At a very basic level, what to compost is as simple as anything made from organic material, but not all organic material is safe for most home compost piles. Without a doubt, the following materials are safe for your compost pile: 1 Grass clippings 2 Tree leaves 3 Vegetable food scraps ( coffee grounds, lettuce, potato peels, banana peels, avocado skins, etc.) 4 Black and white newspaper 5 Printer paper 6 Most disease free yard waste 7 Cardboard 8 Vegetarian animal manure (e.g. cows, horses, rabbits, hamsters, etc.) 9 Wood shavings or sawdust

What are some good things to compost?

Without a doubt, the following materials are safe for your compost pile: Vegetable food scraps ( coffee grounds, lettuce, potato peels, banana peels, avocado skins, etc.) Some items need a little more consideration before you decide if you should compost them or not. These are:

What are some food scraps that are good for compost?

Food scraps containing some animal products (excluding meat, fat, dairy and bones ) – Food scraps with small amounts of eggs, dairy or fats and oils can be attractive to nighttime scavengers like raccoons, rats and opossums. While eggshells, bread and noodles are good for your compost pile, they may cause an unintended pest problem.

Can you put a tomato in compost?

Diseased yard waste – If plants in your yard become diseased and die, do not place them in the compost pile. A common example is if your tomatoes develop blight or get a virus. Composting items like this will not kill the disease and will make it so they can be spread to other plants. It is best to burn or throw away diseased yard waste.

Do compost piles need to be hot?

A compost pile must get very hot before these possibly harmful microbes are killed. If your compost pile does not heat up or if you would rather not worry about it, meat-eating animal feces belongs in the what not to put in garden compost category.

Can you compost manure?

These are: Non-vegetarian manure – Manure that come from animals that may eat meat, such as dog, cats, pigs and yes, even humans, can be composted, but you need to be aware that their feces can carry pathogens that can spread disease. A compost pile must get very hot before these possibly harmful microbes are killed.

Is it easy to start a compost pile?

Starting a compost pile is easy, but that doesn’t mean that it is done without a few questions. A common question is what to put in a compost bin, and an even more important question is what not to put in garden compost. Below we will discuss what to put in a compost bin (or keep out) and why.

How to make a compost pile healthy?

For a compost pile to be healthy, you need to have a combination of good airflow and enough water. Together with that, you need to have a good mixture of brown and green substances, so the process of composting will proceed naturally. Every compost pile is unique, and you need to be aware of what is going on within your specific compost pile.

Why cover compost pile?

There are a few reasons why you would want to cover the compost pile for much better results and protection. Here are the main considerations when it comes to covering your compost pile. Too much rain: Whether you have a new or a finished compost pile, it is better to cover it if there is quite a lot of rain in your area.

What happens if you leave compost open?

The problem with a finished compost heap is that if you leave it open, it will continue the breakdown process even further. Plus, as it is exposed to the elements, you are allowing the nutrients to leak out.

Why is there no air in compost?

With the lack of air because of too much water, the bacteria that break down everything will just die off.

Should compost be left open?

What it comes down to is that typically, a new compost pile should be left open, and a finished compost pile should be covered for best results.

Can you cover compost in a few days?

If you need compost fast: If you need your compost in a few days’ time, it is better to cover the compost pile. This will trap more heat in the pile, and the process of composting will speed up quite drastically, and shorten the waiting period.

What to put in compost?

"Browns" are the carbon-rich materials that add aeration to the pile and structure to your compost. They break down more slowly, so it's a good idea to chop them up fairly small. Here are some browns to put in your compost: 1 Shredded newspaper 2 Shredded office or school papers 3 Shredded, non-glossy junk mail 4 Torn up plain corrugated cardboard boxes (not with glossy coatings) 5 Straw 6 Bedding from hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits 7 Fall leaves 8 Chopped up twigs and small branches 9 Pinecones 10 Nutshells (avoid walnut shells as they can inhibit plant growth) 11 Excelsior 12 Raffia 13 Used napkins 14 Toilet paper, paper towel, or wrapping paper tubes 15 Fallen bird's nests 16 Pine needles or straw 17 Used paper coffee filters 18 Pressed paper egg cartons, torn into small pieces 19 Sawdust (only from untreated wood) 20 Brown paper shopping bags, shredded or torn 21 Brown paper lunch bags, shredded or torn 22 Leftover peat or coir from seed starting 23 Coir liners for hanging baskets 24 Wood chips 25 Bedding from chickens

What to do if your compost bin gets wet?

If your bin gets wet and smelly, add more browns and cut back on the greens for a while, then give it a turn.

Can you compost rice?

Not everything on this list will be for everyone. Some people, worried about pests in their compost, will decide to forgo composting grains like rice, pasta, and bread. Others will decide that they would just rather recycle newspapers than compost them.

Can you compost meat in a Bokashi compost bin?

You'll notice some items missing from this list, such as meat, dairy, and fats. While you can technically compost all of these (especially if you have a Bokashi compost bin), we've left them off because extra care must be taken to compost these items safely. The items here are safe for you and for your garden.