Finished compost

Like magic, the pile of grass, leaves, manure, and garden debris that I created in the spring has transformed into dark, crumbly compost! I was careful this time to keep the pile small (about 6 x 10 feet and no taller than 4 feet high) and I was diligent about layering the ingredients. I also added biodynamic compost starter, a mixture of herbs and bacteria which helped to stimulate the proliferation of beneficial soil organisms and enzymes. The best part of this compost is that I never once had to turn the pile. I have two additional piles cooking and will create another using all of the garden debris from the fall cleanup. I will use this compost to spread on the garden, rich food for the worms and for next year's crops.