Question by KJean: Low Maintenance Compost Pile?
I want to start a compost pile for my garden this spring. I am planning to have it on the ground (sandy soil) using pallets tied together. I am thinking I should make three sections, to have three years worth going. I have a lot of leaves to put in, and some kitchen veggie scraps, and then whatever I deadhead around the yard. Is this going to break down relatively fast (1 year?) here in northern WI? Is there a ratio or thickness I need to maintain when adding things to the pile? Should I put my leaves all in one pile as “extra” and use them to add to the “working” pile? Do I need to turn or stir the pile?
And should I add worms to the pile at all, I read they should be red worms, not just earth worms, but will earth worms/fishing worms still help? Not looking to have a worm farm here, just wondering if throwing a container in would help.
I don’t want answers back that tell me to purchase bins/etc. I just want this to be cheap and easy – the way it’s supposed to be! Th
Best answer:
Answer by pondlady
A compost heap can be as simple a a pile of compostable material lying in a heap on the ground. I put a chicken wire fence around mine just because. There are folks who preach all kinds of rules about compost heaps. One – no animal or dairy products is about the only one that you can’t break. Your heap will probably break down slower than mine in New Orleans, but hey, patience is better than hard work.
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