How to Make a Compost Pile

Want a healthier looking lawn? Try composting, this is an environmentally friendly way to make your lawn look better and reduce the cost of disposal. Composting your yard will improve soil structure, reduce soil erosion, and lessen the need for chemical fertilizer.

Location:

It is important to start your compost pile on a level area with good drainage. The ideal location will provide the pile with half a day of sunlight. Shaded areas work fine as well but make sure the area is not covered in a way that will prevent rain from reaching the compost. Keep your pile in a space away from animals and out of the way of any activities that might take place in the yard. Finally, if the compost pile is going to be in a damp area consider placing the compost on a pallet.

Size:

The ideal size for a compost pile is between 3ft x 3ft x 3ft or 5ft x 5ft x 5ft. If the compost is smaller than 3x3x3 it may not heat up enough, and compost larger than 5x5x5 could hold too much water.

Best Time to Start:

Spring or fall is a good time to start. There is an abundance of nitrogen from the cool lawn and carbon from the leaves in the fall. Fall is the best time to start however your compost will slow down through the winter months.


Layering:

It is only necessary to do this step when first starting the compost pile. Continue layering until you run out of materials. Water each layer once it is added to the pile.

Layer	Items	Thickness
1. Organic Materials	Corn stalks, chopped corn cobs, garden debris, grass clippings, hay, vegetable waste, sod, straw, twigs, and untreated saw dust	6-8 inches
2. Animal Manure or Fertilizer	Manure from a grain eating animal Or 10-10-10 or 12-12-12 Fertilizer	1-2 inches Or 1 cup per 25 sq. feet
3. Top Soil	Garden soil	1-2 inches

Maintenance:

· The ideal temperature for a compost pile is 110º- 160º F. A metal pole will help determine if your pile is heating up. You can also purchase a compost thermometer.
· It is a good idea to turn your compost once every 4-5 weeks. Use a pitchfork to help turn the pile.
· Materials will decompose faster with more surface area. Use clippers or a shredder to cut up materials.


*If you need a pallet for your compost pile call us at 952-252-3301

Note: St. Louis Park has regulations concerning compost piles. Visit www.stlouispark.org/composting.htm for more information.