You can create a compost pile (or bin) right in your own backyard. A compost needs four things: variety, water, air and warmth. Variety: Make sure to add a wide range of organic material to your compost to increase the rate of decomposition and decrease odor. Avoid meat, eggs and fats though--they are slow to break down, smell unpleasant and may attract critters. Water: Water your compost lightly between layers and cover it during dry spells to keep moisture levels balanced. Air: Composts need to breath! Turn your pile occasionally to allow air in. Warmth: "Hot" piles are usually the best and can range from 120-160 degrees Fahrenheit. To keep your compost's temperature at the right level, try to make your pile at least 3' in diameter and cover it in the winter.

Burpee's compost was built in the summer of 2004. It provides us with a responsible way to dispose of the kitchen garbage generated by staff and visiting school groups as well as a place to recycle lawn waste such as leaves and grass clippings. Our compost opens from the top and has removable slats in the front. This allows us to add new material to the top of the pile, but remove slats from the bottom where we can harvest the rich organic material that settles there.

Click on the photo of our compost to see more!