Build a Simple Compost Pile

This is a post reprint for May 6-12 International Compost Awareness Week. This important educational program is sponsored by the US Composting Council, with the theme of Compost! …Replenish the Earth for Generations, and supported by the Compost Council of Canada, with the theme of Give Back to the Earth … COMPOST!

When I started composting my kitchen and garden waste, I knew I wanted a simple compost pile. Here is the one I made from galvanized wire mesh fencing. I sits in the corner of my garden. From spring through fall, I add both kitchen and garden waste to the pile. I cut the garden waste with tough stems into smaller pieces before it goes into the pile. During winter, I only add kitchen waste and occasionally ashes from my Kozi woodburning stove. I stir these in to make sure they decompose before spring planting time arrives.

In Coastal British Columbia, keeping the pile moist isn’t much of a problem. In warm summer months, I give it a watering at the same time I water my garden. Each year I am rewarded with rich soil to add to my garden. Because this garden is located on a rocky outcropping, this is a wonderful benefit. Otherwise, I would have to carry commercial topsoil up four flights of stairs. Now that’s what I call beneficial soil! Here are the directions if you would like to make one for your own garden.


I encourage you to try composting. Whether you are in the city or country, do it on a small scale like I do or a large one, every bit helps our environment and our quality of life. Compost … the possibilities ARE endless. -- Margy