Dennis' notes about composting

Mona’s composting column has been most interesting and informative to those who have never constructed a pile. My compost pile is years old.

There are two types of compost piles: Highly managed (which this composter calls active) and passive. The first means the pile is worked, turned and watered on an active and timely manner. The second, passive, means the composter does little or nothing to the pile.

A large pile of green grass will heat up and stink. But a smaller pile of green grass will simply dry out. My pile is 14 feet long, 11 feet wide and 3 feet tall. It is at the end of a large shed and, therefore, unseen by most visitors. The cut grass is not heaped in a single pile each week, but spread around on top.

Leaves are thrown on the pile, when available, so are vegetable peels, coffee grounds and a bunch of the things Mona mentions. But it isn’t turned.

The grass on top is moved until compost is discovered, when needed. Actually, there is an area at the edge where compost is visible, so it is available anytime. This method has worked for me for 15 or more years.

For answers to gardening questions, contact the Master Gardeners at the WSU Grant-Adams Extension office at 754-2011, Ext. 4313 or email your gardening questions to ga.mgvolunteers@wsu.edu. Visit their web page at grant-adams.wsu.edu.