1 pile or 2

[olives]

ok, so I'm still pretty new at this. I want to start a compost pile. I've been reading over the posts in this forum.

One question I have is, should I have 1 pile or 2?
If I keep adding stuff to 1 pile, I'll always have un-composted stuff in it. Right?
So should I start a second pile and let the 1st "cook". Then once the first pile is used start adding to it again and let the second "cook".
Makes sense???
Or am I making this too hard? :?
Thanks for your help!

olive

[LovetoLearn]

My question would be, how much do you usually use, how many materials do you have to add to it and how fast do you want to make it.
If you use alot of compost and always need it, I would make, at least, two piles. That way, when you get the first one done, you will pretty much have a constant flow after that.
If you only use compost occasionally, one should be enough.

[CaptainCompostAL]

Two piles is always better than one!

I always keep at least one pile of older mature compost for aerated compost tea recipes, soil amending, planting transpants, and container plants.

I always keep a "half-done" compost pile for new protein and carbohydrate additions to the newer compost pile or compost windrow, for further mature composting and decomposition.


Even though mature compost is better for young plants and for soil conditioning because of the balance of nutrients, humates, and beneficial aerobic microbes, I still have a few purposes for "undone" compost.

I like to use "undone" compost as an extra mulch, or as a side dressing for growing cover crops, or as extra layers in my lasagna gardens or raised beds.

Happy Gardening!