Time To Turn The Compost

We rotate our compost piles in the fall and in the spring. Many will tell you that it should be done much more frequently, however this schedule is working great for us. We have a 3 bin system. The first bin is where we put raw barn cleanings, yard and garden waste, and the used poultry bedding. Bin 2 contains moderately composted material, while bin 3, produces the finished product, dark, nutrient rich soil. As mentioned, our rotation is done two times annually. In the spring we move bin 3 onto the garden and till it in, move bin 2 contents into bin 3, and move bin 1 contents into bin 2. This differs only slightly in the fall, in that we omit moving bin 3 onto the garden. Rather, we mix bin 3 and combine the contents of bin 2 to it. Bin 1 still moves to bin 2. To the right, you can see Ethan rotating the piles. This is really backbreaking work, but it is bearable since we only do it two times annually. As you can see below, we have the three examples of bin contents from raw to finished product. Notice that our raw material is mostly made up of soiled wood shavings and straw. There is quite a bit of manure (goat, chicken, and turkey) mixed in with this raw material. In addition, we compost very few grass clippings. This is probably why we can get away with only rotating and mixing two times per year. You can tell your pile is composting if, when you turn over a small section, you can feel the warmth, even in the dead of winter. Within two days of these photos, bin 2 had steam rising off it.

Why Compost?

I tend to try not to get too lovey dovey of nature, I do not support PETA and I believe that Global Warming is a great way for research agencies to get rich at the tax payers expense. However, I think that we all agree that we need to make changes in the way we treat our environment. We need to make changes in our lifestyle that will reflect a more reverent respect of God's Creation. We need to use less fossil fuels, while looking into alternative sources for energy. We need to treat our animals and plants with the respect they deserve. After all, they are our food supply. If we continue to improve production of meat, vegetables, and grain through the use of hormones, steroids, and chemical fertilizer, I believe that we are destined for disaster. Composting is one method of giving back what we've taken without turning to technology developed by chemists and biologists. It is a simple means of creating a natural fertilizer that has proven results. It also provides a warm feeling when I look at my pile, knowing that I have mastered the basic principles given by God. I know that if all the supply chains were broken, I could still produce food for my family. This is why I compost.