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Locate your container in a sunny, well drained area that is protected from the wind and at least 30 cm. (12 inches) above the water table.
Choose a spot that has easy access from your kitchen.
Compost (either in a compost bin or pile) should be placed on bare, broken soil so helpful organisms can migrate from the ground into your compost to aid in the decomposition process.
The size of your compost is critical. A small pile will not retain its heat. A pile that is too large is harder to turn and the materials can compact. An ideal compost pile will insulate itself and hold the heat it generates. To yield the best results, a compost pile should be approximately one cubic metre.
Experts believe that a compost located near a birch tree will benefit from a tree excretion which encourages fermentation. Conifers tend to retard fermentation due to a turpentine substance which drips from their needles. A compost pile should be located no closer than 6 ft. to the outer most branches of a conifer tree.
Once your bin is set up, sprinkle a thin layer of twigs or another fibrous material such as cardboard on the ground to add some air flow to the bottom of your pile. Begin adding materials: one part ‘brown’ material (straw, leaves, cardboard) to two parts ‘green’ material (kitchen peelings, garden waste).
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