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So You Want to Build a Compost Pile

© Deborah Turton

By now you've probably heard all about the benefits of using compost. Compost improves the soil and make your plants healthier. Healthy plants fight disease and pests better, and they produce better flowers, fruits and vegetables.

When I started to make compost, I looked around my yard for supplies, and I knew I was in trouble. I had two young, measly oak trees and a lot of weedy grass. I didn't have enough organic matter (a.k.a. supplies) to make compost, so I needed some other types and sources.

What are Some Types of Organic Matter?

You can make compost from all sorts of organic matter: table scraps, leaves, manure, grass, hay, straw, seaweed. Just about anything that once was alive. The most common things used in the backyard compost are table scraps, grass, manure and leaves, but don't limit yourself to these. You never know when a farmer will have some half rotted hay to dispose of. With some manure you can turn their problem into your garden solution.

What are Some Sources of Organic Matter?

Friends

Tell people about your garden, even people who don't garden. Ask them if they know anyone with manure, extra leaves, or other organic matter. I found my first source of manure near my new home after talking about gardening with a friend. The more people you talk to, the more potential sources you'll have.

Botanical Gardens

Some botanical gardens have mulch piles where private individuals can obtain mulch in various stages of decomposition. It's usually free or almost free. One note of caution, if the mulch pile was made with grass clippings, then there could be pesticide residues. Composting can destroy many pesticides, but you may want to ask what goes into the mulch or ask for an analysis of pesticide residues.

Local Municipalities

More states are banning yard waste in regular trash pick-up. Some towns now maintain their own mulch piles for their residents. Again, check what goes into the pile or ask if they have an analysis of pesticide residues.

Zoos

Animals make a lot of manure. If you have a zoo in the vicinity, see if you can take the manure off their hands.

Circuses

When the circus comes to town, they produce more than entertainment. Many will give away manure for the taking. Call the information line and ask.

Neighbors

If your yard has no trees, check out your neighbors' yards. You might even offer to help rake up their leaves. If your whole neighborhood is treeless, find a neighborhood with trees and then take their leaves. The best times are Sunday evening or the night before yard waste is scheduled to be picked up. If you're lucky you'll find people who shred their leaves before bagging them. If you're unlucky you'll live in an area that requires leaves to be left loose on the curb.