Extension for Real Life

Go Green: How to Start a Compost Pile

Compost is a great soil conditioner. It helps the soil hold water and improves clay and sandy soils. Starting your own pile is easy and can help keep organic waste out of landfills.

Compost bins can be homemade or purchased from a commercial source. Turning the pile on a regular basis will help speed the decomposition process by evenly distributing heat. A commercial bin can make this process easier.

Household waste that can be composted includes:

• Leaves
• Grass Clippings
• Shrub trimmings
• Egg shells
• Coffee grounds
• Fruit and vegetable wastes
• Tea bags
• Cardboard
• Paper

The breakdown process takes at least six months to complete. So, if you start now, you’ll have compost for your fall plants.

However, there are some guidelines you’ll want to follow when building and managing the pile. So check out our website and resources to learn more about composting and how to do it yourself.

More information can be found in Extension Publication 1782, “Composting for the Mississippi Gardener.”