How to Make Compost

easyGardening12 months8 steps

Safety Warnings

Fork — For turning and aerating materials

A-shaped trough — Two boards used to divert rain from the pile

Barn-yard or stable manure — Nitrogen-rich organic matter(As needed)

Leaves — Gathered in fall for decomposition(As needed)

Straw or litter — Carbon-rich organic matter(As needed)

Water — For maintaining dampness(As needed)

Select a site and optionally install an A-shaped trough made of two boards to divert excess rain from the compost pile.

Tip: Preventing excessive leaching helps maintain the nutrient balance.

Gather organic materials such as barn-yard manure, stable manure, leaves, straw, or litter.

Tip: Leaves gathered in the fall are excellent for long-term decomposition.

Pile the collected organic materials into a heap.

Tip: Waste nothing; use all available plant and animal remains.

Add water to the pile during the process to secure the desired degree of dampness.

Tip: Moisture is essential for gentle fermentation and breaking down litter.

Allow the materials to undergo fermentation, which converts the litter into available plant food.

Tip: This process allows the organic matter to fall to pieces.

Fork over the leaves or manure two or three times during the summer months.

Tip: Turning the pile hastens the decay process.

Allow the heap to decay over a period of twelve months or more, especially in Northern climates where winter decomposition is slow.

Tip: Patience ensures the material is well-rotted and safe for plants.

Harvest the finished, well-rotted compost for use in the garden.

Tip: The resulting humus improves soil moisture retention and friability.

Permit no fermentation or leaching to ensure the highest quality compost.
Avoid using coal ashes as a primary base; moist soil is superior for making compost heaps.

Synthesized from 6 verified sources:

Gutenberg: Farm Gardening GuideView →

Cornell Garden-Based LearningView →

Old Farmer's AlmanacView →

Gutenberg: Manual of GardeningView →

Gutenberg: War Gardens GuideView →