Directions

1. Choose a "pot" for baking your compost. Any type of composting bin will do. Visit this site on Aggie-Horticulture for more information on types of composting structures.

2. Place kitchen and yard waste in the composting bin. Chop or shred the organic materials if you want then to compost quickly.

3. Spread soil or "already done" compost over the compost pile. This layer contains microorganisms and soil animals that do the work of making the compost. It also helps keep the surface from drying out.

4. Adjust the moisture in your compost pile. Add straw or sawdust to soggy materials, or add water to a pile that is too dry. The materials should be damp to the touch, but not so wet that drops come out when you squeeze it.

5. Allow the pile to "bake". It should heat quickly and reach the desired temperature (90 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, or 32 to 60 degrees Celsius) in four to five days.

6. Stir your compost as it bakes if you want to speed the baking time.

7. The pile will settle down from its original height. This is a good sign the compost is baking properly.

8. If you mix or turn your compost pile every week, it should be "done", or ready in one to two months. If you don't turn, the compost should be ready in six to 12 months.

9. Your "best ever" compost should look like dark crumbly soil mixed with small pieces of organic material. It should have a sweet smell, earth smell.

10. Feed compost to hungry plants by mixing it with the soil.
    Did You Know?
    Compost
    What is Compost?
    Why Compost?
    Materials To Avoid
    Best Ever Compost Recipe!!
    How Does Composting Work?
    Troubleshooting
    What Can I Do with My Compost?

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    [Composting Demonstration Project] [Worm Composting] [Aggie Horticulture]
    Source: TNRCC Environmental Tips That Help You Take Care of Texas. Let It Rot! Compost
    TNRCC Environmental Bulletin, Mulching and Compost
    Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service, Backyard Composting Wastes to Resources