Shredded Organic
Waste
Shredding, chopping or even bruising organic materials
hastens decay. One way to shred leaves is to mow the lawn before raking,
collecting the shredded leaves in the mower bag. It takes at least
3-4 cubic feet of shredded material to form a compost pile.
Good Location The compost pile should be located
in a warm area and protected from overexposure to wind and too much
direct sunlight. While heat and air facilitate composting, overexposure
dries the materials. The locations should not offend neighbors.
Nitrogen
Nitrogen accelerates composting. Good sources include
fresh grass clippings, manure, blood meal and nitrogenous fertilizer.
Lime should be used sparingly if at all. It enhances decomposition,
but too much causes nitrogen loss, and it usually isn't necessary
unless the pile contains large amounts of pine and spruce needles
or fruit wastes.
Air
The compost pile and its enclosure should be well ventilated.
Some decay will occur without oxygen, but the process is slow and
causes odors.
Water
Materials in the compost pile should be kept as moist
as a squeezed sponge. Too little or too much water retards decomposition.
Overwatering causes odors and loss of nutrients.
