TIM DOHERTY

STEP ONE: THE COMPOST HEAP

Preheat your compost pile to between 140 to 160 degrees F. This could take several weeks so you must plan ahead.

To build your compost pile, gather together the horse manure, straw, and limestone. Starting on the bare earth, layer the ingredients never more than six inches thick.

Begin with a layer of manure, then a sprinkle of lime, a layer of straw and then a sprinkle of earth to introduce the bacteria that will cause the pile to heat. Dampen this thoroughly, then start again until you have used up all the compost ingredients.

You should start to see results within 24 to 36 hours. Vapors will begin to rise and a wonderful aroma will waft amongst the garden rows. This is best experienced at sunrise (or at sunset with an Irish whiskey in hand).

After one week or so, you may want to turn and mix the compost pile placing the outside layers in the heart of the new pile. Be sure to water daily.

Once the internal temperature of the pile has reached 140 to 160 degrees F. you can proceed to the next step.

© 2003 Tim Doherty

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