with Red Wiggler Worms
STEP 1
Create a list of raw materials you can use from our home or yard:
Alpaca manure makes a great base for starting a compost pile! Bags of lawn clippings, sod or straw (avoid using weeds, which may sprout new seedlings) Unprocessed vegetable and fruit skins/leaves Sawdust and wood shavings (both are great for slowing down the decomposition process) Pine needles, wood ashes, bird feathers, hair and other similar biodegradable products Natural clothing items such at 100% cotton T-Shirts and silks that would otherwise be thrown away Used coffee grounds, nutshells, egg shells and egg shell cartons Plus numerous other forms of organic material around your home
Warning: Never use any type of meat products, dairy products, cat litter, dog or cat manure, fish scraps, bones or other animal parts when composting.
STEP 2
Find a location on your property to create a large pile of materials from the items listed above. It is recommended that you choose a location that will not obstruct a driveway or become an obstacle in the future. As you build your pile, try to create a pile that doesn't exceed 5 feet in height or 8 feet in diameter. If you have more materials than you need for a pile, simply build 2 or more separate compost piles - it's that easy. If possible, make sure the compost pile is not exposed to high winds or other weather factors that may break it up over a period of time (i.e. water run off from snow or seasonal flooding).
STEP 3
Once you've created your compost pile, mix the materials together using a tractor loader, shovel, hoe or other similar gardening tool. This will allow air to get into the pile and will help it decompose faster. On the top of the compost pile create a small catch basin to allow rainwater to accumulate. Water combined with heat will accelerate the decomposition process. In most climates it usually takes a minimum of 90 to 120 days for the breakdown of natural materials to occur. We recommend you mix the compost again after 90 days. Turn the outside, exposed parts of the heap towards the middle of the pile. This will expose the compost to oxygen which essential to break it down. Doing this will also accelerate the decomposition process. In time, you'll see your little mountain of compost begin to breakdown and shrink in size. We recommend you start the composting process in mid spring or late fall and then start using the new compost within 4 to 6 months.
STEP 4
After just 4 to 6 months you'll have a huge supply of dark, earth scented, nutrient rich compost you can use in your garden or on the farm. The compost can be mixed with sand to be used as a base soil or you can use it as topsoil. Simply apply the compost 1 to 3 inches thick in your garden or in pots. With some water from your garden hose or a little rainfall, expect the compost to compress at least 33%. This is normal and over a period of time, Mother Nature will break the compost down as it works its way into the soil. Expect your plants to respond to your gardening efforts. With nutrient rich elements added to the soil, your plants may very well respond with increased growth, vigor and resistance to disease. In time, soils rich in nutrients derived from compost will usually yield increased quantities of fruits and vegetables. Here's a list of benefits you'll receive when mixing compost into your soil:
Mixing compost into other soils allows for better root penetration and improved plant growth Mixing compost into sandy soil serves to improve the soil's ability to retain nutrients and support percolation of water in virtually any environment Mixing compost into soil allows plants to receive more oxygen, thus creating a nutrient rich environment for the roots, earthworms and underground microorganisms to thrive in Mixing compost into soil adds organic matter, also known as humus, which improves the way water interacts with the soil and how plant's extract nutrients for growth Mixing compost into any soil will reduce erosion by improving soil structure and drainage Mixing compost into soil recycles garden wastes to benefit both plants and the environment in which they're grown Mixing compost into soil will prevent you from spending additional money on manure, synthetic fertilizers and optimize pH balance of the soil