For retaining heat and oxygen, the best heap size should be about five feet high, six feet wide and eight feet long. Put smaller heaps in some kind of enclosure, such as a plastic garbage container or bags. You should begin with about 100 pounds each of the three materials. Turn the heap at least twice the first four days. Following this outline, heating should begin within 24 hours.
Many authorities say compost is ready to use when it begins to cool off.
This publication was originally published 4-94. This page was created 3-99.