by Nancy Heide
A compost pile is best done in layers. Begin with a one-foot layer of grass clippings, hay, or leaves laid out in a square shape with at least five feet sides, seven feet is even better. Pack this layer down and water well. Add a one-inch thick layer of manure to this, and cover with a two-inch layer of soil. Continue to build the pile, adding kitchen scraps as they become available. Use caution here, though - avoid using dairy products or anything containing grease or cooked food. These will contaminate your pile. After every foot of material added, pack and water your pile. Once the pile is five to seven feet high, cover with a six-inch layer of enriched soil and make the top slightly concave to catch the rainwater. Water about every two weeks and keep it damp but not soggy. To speed up the decomposition process, you can try to turn your pile by mixing the outside the center of the pile. When the compost is ready, it will be dark brown, crumbly, and sweet-smelling. This will take about three months in summer or longer in the winter.
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