Whats the easiest way to make compost?
A. Mix together green and brown yard wastes (remember the C/N ratio), place them in a pile, and wait 6 to 24 months for the microorganisms, earthworms, and insects to break down the material. Add new materials to the top of the pile. You can reduce the waiting period by occasionally turning the pile and monitoring its moisture level. Compost on the bottom of the pile generally “finishes” first. Q. When is my compost finished? A. “If the pile isn’t heating anymore and you can’t identify original materials, it’s done,” says Dr. Maynard. It’s okay to use compost that’s not quite finished as mulch. You can also work it into garden beds one to two weeks before planting, because the soil microbes help finish off the decomposition process. Be sure to screen out any big, woody chunks first. If you want to use compost in a potting mix, it must be fully mature to prevent problems with nutrient availability and germination. Try this sniff test, recommended by soil scientists at Cornell University
