Compost Pile
There are many different ways that you can approach composting. While there are certainly numerous different kinds of compost bins on the market today that you can buy, perhaps the simplest and easiest method of all is to simply make a compost pile. Building a compost pile is a method that is generally best if you have some space. It is not well suited for urban dwellers.
While many people choose to build a structure around their compost pile, this is certainly not an essential to composting. You can simply have a compost pile situated some distance from the house or if you find that you have problems with animals getting into your compost pile, try encircling it with some wire fencing.
When choosing where to place your compost pile, do give some thought to the matter. The compost pile should not be so far away from the house that taking waste materials to it becomes a chore, but it also should not be so close that you smell it the moment you step out your front door. In addition, your compost pile should be conveniently located to your gardening area. You also need to consider aeration when deciding where to place your compost pile. Air circulation is essential to composting, so make sure that you do not place your compost pile in a location where the air will be blocked. Also, as a general rule, it should not be placed next to any wooden buildings, including your home. This is because as the materials begin to rot and decompose they can cause wood to rot as well.
A partially shady area is ideal for a compost pile because it will ensure that the pile will not become overheated, but at the same time it should not be in full shade because some heat is necessary to the process of composting.
Check the drainage of the area where you plan to place your compost pile as well. Compost should be moist but should not be allowed to become overly wet because this can slow down the process and result in a smelly, slimy mess.
Finally, you may also want to position your compost pile near a convenient water source in the event that you do need to water it from time to time, especially in the summer when rainfall is not as abundant and your compost pile is more likely to dry out.