In a properly made compost heap the temperature will rise to 180deg. F. (82 deg C.). It is then that the actinomycetes break down the more resistant proteins and carbohydrates. As the temperature begins to cool and this could take about a month, the bacteria will begin their work to complete the breakdown process.

It will take roughly about 12 months for the pile to break down properly into compost. If your container does not have a lid it is a good idea to cover the top with plastic sheeting or a tarpaulin weighted down to reduce the amount of rainwater from leaching out the nutrients and to keep in the heat. Frequently turn over the waste with a garden fork to accelerate decomposition. Another tip, chop-up the waste as it will take less time to break down. Vary the type of material making layers of the different ingredients; this all helps to speed up the decomposition process.

If the composted waste takes up an area of at least 12ft. x 12ft. it is a good idea to include a ventilation shaft which will help with decomposition. This is done by inserting a post in the centre of the heap, piling the waste around it layer by layer until the pile reaches a height of about 6 ft. (1.8m), then the post is removed, leaving an air shaft through the middle; this will ensure that the waste gets a balanced airflow. It is easy to see when the compost is ready; it will be rich and dark brown, crumbly, loose, in fact it resembles the potting composts available in bags from the garden centre. It will now have become the perfect product to return to feed the soil. Compost when properly made can be more valuable than dung for it contains plant food and it is alive with millions of micro organisms for the health and well being of the soil. It will contain most of the minor minerals or trace elements all vital in good, healthy crop cultivation.

When the compost is ready to use it can be added all around the garden but especially the vegetable plot. It will improve the soil just dig in between 1 - 2 inch (2.5 -5cm) of compost. It can be used as mulch, or as an extra boost during the hungriest part of the growing season when the fruits are developing. You can even mix some compost with water to make a liquid feed.

Compost Bins / Worm bins:

If you are restricted to the amount of space you have available for a compost site, worm bins are ideal. Commercially made Worm bins are available in all shapes and sizes, but you can make your own by adapting a plastic refuge/dust bin, which will work just as well. Cut out a hole about 2-inch (5cm) from the base of the bin; insert a plastic tap available from DIY stores. To ensure free drainage, stand a ridged plastic box inside the bin on the bottom. Covered this with a sheet of ridged plastic, creating a platform for the compost to sit, raising it from the bottom of the bin. The plastic will of course be slightly smaller in diameter than the bin and fit reasonably snugly. This should have holes punched in to allow the liquid from the rotting compost to pass through, but not the compost itself; therefore preventing sludge from blocking up the tap. The diluted liquid makes an excellent plant food.

Compost Bin made from Pallets:

There are many commercially made compost makers available in many shapes and sizes. One of the best designs that costs virtually nothing for the garden with a bit more space available, is the bin constructed from wooden pallets. Take four pallets, stand each on its end forming a square, with the topside of the pallet which has all the slats, facing inwards so that the extra slats made good compost retention, the side with the fewer slats should be on the outside of the bin.

Through the centre of each pallet to retain the position, two stout stakes are driven vertically into the ground. When the compartment is full of compost, three more pallets can be joined on form a second chamber. When this too is full, a third chamber is erected at the side and eventually the fourth; the total number of pallets required is twelve. By the time the fourth is filled, the first compartment will have compost ready to be used around the garden. Access to each compartment cannot be easier; either of the outward walls of each bin may be simply lifted over the stakes for the removal of the compost. If the pallets are first painted with wood preservative, they should last for a quite few years, after which they can be replaced either individually or completely at very little cost