How to Grow More Vegetables : And Fruits, Nuts ... - Shroomery

CROSS SECTION OF A GROW BIOINTENSIVE COMPOST PILE
soil
green vegetation and
kitchen wastes
dry vegetation
twigs, small branches,
corn, and sunflower stalks
loosened soil (12�)
necessary, as you water your garden. The particles in the pile
should glisten. During the rainy season, some shelter or covering
may be needed to prevent waterlogging and the less optimal
anaerobic decomposition that occurs in a waterlogged pile.
(The conditions needed for proper functioning of a compost pile
and those required for good plant growth in raised beds are
similar. In both cases, the proper mixture of air, soil nutrients,
structure, microorganisms, and water is essential.)
Locating the Pile
Compost piles can be built in a pit in the ground or in a pile
above the ground. The latter is preferable, since during rainy
periods a pit can fill up with water. A pile can be made with or
without a container. We build our compost piles without using
containers. They are unnecessary and use wood and metal
resources.
The pile should optimally be built under a deciduous oak
tree. This tree’s nature provides the conditions for the development
of excellent soil underneath it. And compost is a kind of
soil. The second-best place for a compost pile is under any
other kind of deciduous tree (with the exceptions of walnut and
eucalyptus). As a last resort, you can build your pile under evergreen
trees or any shady place in your backyard. The shade
and windbreak provided by the trees help keep the pile at an
even moisture level. (The pile should be placed 6 feet away
from the tree’s trunk so it will not provide a haven for potentially
harmful insects.)
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