The River Bluffs chapter had maintained the compost exhibit in Jefferson City's Memorial Park for several years before relinquishing it to the Jefferson City Garden Club. Over the years, it was apparent some thing work better than others. To get the rich, dark, crumbly compost that will make your flower beds and gardens flourish, follow these steps.

Combine leaves with grass clippings if at all possible. Mix a 6-inch layer of leave with a 1-6 inches of grass clippings.

If you don't have grass clippings, mix a 6-iinch layer of leaves with 1 cup of high-nitrogen fertilizer (the first number on the fertilizer bag refers to percent of nitrogen by weight. Try to get a fertilizer where this number is 27 or higher). Or use manure if you have farm animals.

If you are not going to turn your compost very often (or never), make sure your leaves are contained in some structure that is roughly 4'x4'x4'. A container made from old pallets is ideal. This seems to hold an optimum volume for retaining heat and water, and circulating air. The shape of this pile will make up for the fact that you don't turn it too often (or never).

If you have a warm day after the leaves are in the bin, soak them with the hose for a couple of hours. The moisture will trickle down the inside and help promote decomposition in the spring.

Don't try to turn a frozen compost pile! Go sledding or eat some pie instead.

~Timberdoodle ~ November/December 2001