How to Make a Compost Pit

Last Updated on June 4, 2020 by Myls Sedurifa

Composting is greatly beneficial to home gardeners like you for several reasons. Not only can you provide a solution for waste management, but you can also benefit from the creation of natural fertilizer for your garden plants and vegetables. Compost pits offer a simpler alternative to buying/building a compost bin, as they are made right within your backyard.

Locate a spot in your yard that receives a lot of direct sunlight (not too close to your house, as it may emit an unpleasant smell as it decomposes)
Dig a hole in the ground with a garden shovel that is 2 to 3 feet deep by 3 feet wide.
Line the hole with masonry lining or pack in the sides and bottom of the hole as well as you can, or you risk the sides crumbling down into your pit.
Layer the ingredients in the compost pile. Start with organic materials, then add a layer of fertilizer. Add a layer of soil and repeat the layers in order. Stop when your compost reaches 1 foot above the compost pit.
Water the compost pit until the ingredients are soaked.
Turn the ingredients in the compost pit once per week with a shovel to provide proper aeration. Add water at this time to keep the pile moist.
Use the compost once it becomes brown and crumbly and has an earthy smell to it.

Read the full article here: https://homeguides.sfgate.com/make-compost-pit-48677.html