Making a compost pile in a hole?

Question

Can I just dig a hole in the ground and make it a compost pile? All the articles I read talk about putting it in containers, trash cans etc. I just want to dig a large hole and throw stuff in. Does it need some kind of lid or will it work without one?

Answer 1

one of the essential tasks when making a compost pile is to occasionally turn the pile over to allow air to get in and help with the rotting down process. you can put a lid on it but without turning it will take a long time to break down.

bear in mind if you are to turn the compost in a hole it will be below your feet and digging and turning will become a very hard and possible easy way to hurt your back.

the only way i can suggest is to dig a trench about 2 foot deep and half fill with whatever you intend to compost over a few weeks and then cover with soil and use that trench for a site to grow beans or peas in next march/april.

i must admit i have never heard of composting in a hole, i would think the tried and trusty method all the old gardeners use is the best.

its worked that way for a long time so i would say consider your body when starting on this venture

Answer 2

When I was growing up, my parents had a compost pile that was not contained in or by anything, another words it was just that; a (compost) pile. They had a lot of things to make a great compost and besides the smell...it was not a big deal. Just designate an area and there you have it.

Answer 3

Yes - it will work, but will take longer than one which will be warmer. Bean trenches are traditionally long trenches filled with compost which rots down. Remember to try to get a good balance of brown (cardboard,and/or twiggy stuff and green) giving a good mix of carbon and nitrogen for quickest speed of decomposition. Put plastic covering or old carpet on top for warmth and removal when you want to add more.

Answer 4

Almost everyone in the farming community I grew up in, used the trench system. Everyone called it a "Swedish Garden" I don't know where that name came from.



All kitchen vegetable waste was buried in a trench in the garden. Come spring, some things like tomato seeds, onion roots, etc. sprouted from the trench and came up and produced veggies.



The Swedish Garden did not produce enough to fore go planting a regular garden, but what it did do was produce some rich soil.



As my grand father said, "you can't take from the soil for ever if you don't put something back".