We are making mini hot compost piles to practice for a large hot compost pile. We are making compost because it is good for the plants in our garden.

Supplies

Sticks and twigs (bottom layer)

Green Leaves and stems, vegetables, coffee grounds

Dead crunchy leaves and stems

Water

Microbes (finished compost)

Step 1:

Collect some sticks and twigs for the bottom layer. Place them in a small pile so that there is space for air between the sticks.

Step 2:

Collect some fresh green leaves, green stems, vegetables, and/or coffee grounds. Add this layer to the top of the stick pile layer.

Step 3:

Collect brown/dead/crunchy leaves and stems. Add these ingredients to the top of the green leaves.

Step 4:

Using pipette add a small amount of water to the top of the pile.

Step 5:

Sprinkle ashes to the top of the pile.

Step 6:

Add microbes by adding finished compost to the top of the pile. Turn your pile once a week to let the air in to feed the microbes and help your compost pile breakdown. Now that you have learned to make a mini compost pile you can try to make a large one- 3 yards by 3 yards by 3 yards