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Oxygen and moisture are important for the health and activity of the microorgan- <br />isms. An active compost pile - one in which microorganisms are actively converting <br />organic materials to compost - has good air circulation and moisture consistency of a <br />wrung -out sponge. If a pile is compacted, or too wet or too dry, the microorganisms will <br />cease their work, making the pile passive. <br />Air circulation can be accomplished through turning your pile with a garden fork <br />or - in the case of the tumbler bin models - turning the whole bin! Do not allow the pile <br />to become soggy. This causes anaerobic conditions (meaning no air) and usually will <br />produce a foul smell. A pile that is too wet can be due to excess water from rain or from <br />too much green material. This condition can be corrected by adding carbon material <br />and turning the pile to increase the oxygen level. <br />TO DO/Layer your materials: <br />Start your pile with a six-inch layer of brown materials, such as twigs and/or cornstalks. <br />This will help elevate your pile and allow air to circulate at the base of the pile. Then <br />alternate layers of brown materials with green materials, adding layers of garden soil or <br />finished compost. This layer will provide the microorganisms required to speed up the <br />decomposition. Add a little water to dampen the pile and you are on your way! <br />TO DO/Maintain your compost pile: <br />As your compost pile begins the decomposition process, the temperature of the pile will <br />begin to rise, especially in the center of the pile. A well-built pile may reach temperatures <br />from 130°-160° F in just a few days. The pile will begin to cool in four to five days and a <br />depression may appear in the middle of the pile. At this point, it is time to turn the pile. <br />Use a garden fork and turn the outside of the pile inward. Steam may rise form the <br />pile -this is a sign that the decomposition process is working. If the pile is dry, add a <br />small amount of water. If is too wet, add some dry material such as dry leaves or corn- <br />stalks. Cover the pile and it will start to re -heat. <br />Turn your pile on a regular basis - about once a week. Doing so will speed up the <br />decomposition process and you will have compost sooner. <br />Browns (carbon) 3 TO 1 Greens (nitrogen) <br />straw, sawdust, <br />twigs, <br />dried grasses, <br />leaves <br />grass clippings, green leaves, <br />plant trimmings, <br />fruit and vegetable peelings, <br />coffee grounds <br />