You can put your compost pile in the sun or in the shade, but putting it in the sun will hasten the composting process. The sun increases the temperature and thebacteria and fungi work faster. In hot weather, your pile will dry out quicker. If you want to compost your own food scraps, you’ll need a compost bin. You can buy one at your local grocery store, or you can make one yourself.
If you don’t already have a bin, make sure it’s large enough to hold all of the food you’re going to throw away. It’s also a good idea to put a lid on the bin so that it doesn’t get too hot. The bin should be at least 12 inches deep, and it should also be big enough for you to carry it around with you.
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How far away should a compost pile be?
For most people, a distance of 10 to 20 feet is enough to keep bad odors at bay, but still close enough that you can still smell them.
If you are in a crowded area, you may want to use a shorter distance, such as 5 to 10 feet. This will allow you to smell the odor more easily, but it will also make it more difficult for the bad odors to get to you.
Should compost piles be covered?
No, an unfinished compost pile does not need to be covered in most cases. Air, water, and a good mix of green and brown material are the most important factors for composting. A lack of oxygen, trap too much moisture and slow down the decomposition process could be caused by covering a compost pile.
Pile in a Greenhouse If you have a greenhouse, you can cover the pile with a layer of plastic sheeting. This will help to keep the moisture out of the compost and prevent it from drying out. You can also cover a pile of compost with an airtight plastic bag and place it in the sun for a couple of days to help keep it moist.
How often should I water my compost pile?
You should water your compost pile every few days. In other words, once or twice per week. It is a good rule of thumb for most gardeners to wait before watering compost. It is better to water twice or three times per week if you live in a warm environment.
The best way to do this is to fill a bucket with water and place it on top of the pile of compost. The water will soak into the compost and help keep it moist. You can also use a garden hose or garden sprayer to spray water directly onto your pile.
Be sure to keep the water away from the roots of your plants, as this can lead to root rot.
How often should compost be turned?
When turning the compost pile, make sure that the materials in the center are brought to the outsides, and that the materials from the outside edges are spread out evenly.
Does compost need to touch the ground?
If you’re building your compost bin from scratch, you don’t usually need to add a bottom to it. The organisms that facilitate the composting process can move in and out of the bin if the composting materials sit directly on the soil. The bottom of your bin should be about the same size as your soil.
If it’s too small, it won’t be able to hold as much compost, and you’ll end up with a pile of compost that’s just a little too big for your garden. The same goes for the top. You want it to be as big as possible, but not so big that it can’t hold enough compost to keep your plants happy and healthy.
