Getting Started

The first thing you need when you begin composting is a place to PUT your compost heap. Depending on where you live (within city limits, apartment complex, country side etc.) you may choose a different type of compost box, or to maybe even simply throw your compost into one big pile on the ground.

I was lucky and when we moved into our house I found a well constructed compost bin already started in the back yard! Our compost bin is much like the "Pallet" style one in the video to the left. It has a removable top as well as two removable pieces to the side; for easier access to the whole pile.

I discovered that most of my compost bin was filled with simply very dry old grass clippings. The general appearance of a compost heap should be damp (about the consistency of a rung out wet sponge), dark, and warm. This pile was dry, somewhat green, and cold. I would have some work ahead of me...

What can be added to a compost heap?
You want your compost heap to contain both browns and greens.

Browns:
Grass clippings
Leaves
Small twigs
Flowers
Non-spreading weeds
Old plants
potting soil
Wood chips
sawdust/sawdust pellets

Greens/Kitchen Waste:
Fruit & vegetable scraps
Coffee grounds (including filter)
Tea leaves
Tea bags
Egg shells


Some things, however, do NOT belong in your compost. It is not a garbage can, after all, and some things cannot break down or will disturb the natural nitrogen and carbon within the heap, causing it to cease decomposition or turn it into a nasty smelling, rotten pile of gunk!

Do NOT Include:

Meat, fish, or dairy products (excluding egg shells)
Diseased or insect infested plants
Weeds gone to seed
Weeds that spread by runners (morning glory, quack grass, buttercup...)
Dog and cat wastes
Large branches
pressure treated, painted or preserved lumber


It takes more than just a pile of browns and greens to create a compost heap. There are a couple of other factors to include, especially if you want rich and quick compost. If you have the time to throw it in a pile and let nature take it's course, or do not have the time to dedicate to speeding up the process, then your compost pile WILL eventually decompose, it will just take a much, much longer time!


Other Factors to Include:
Water
Air

All life needs air and water, and so do the microbes in your compost heap. Turning the pile will help get air to the middle or underneath parts of the pile, and watering it while you turn will make sure the water is evenly distributed and you are not just soaking some parts while others remain dry.

Tools You Need:

a compost bin, guard or place to store your compost
a pitch fork to turn the compost
a shovel to remove compost dirt once it is finished
a hose to water your compost


________________________________________

I started reactivating my compost by first buying a pitch fork, and giving the pile a good turning while I added some water. Unfortunately I do not yet have a hose and had to fill the dogs large, outdoor water dish and use that!

Mother Nature has been helping me out the past few weeks with lots of April Showers, so I have been able to put off buying a hose for the time being, but it is definitely something I will need to acquire.