Passive Method

For some, the \"passive method\" of composting (sometimes called the "cold composting method") is sufficient for their needs. If you don't need a lot of compost, aren't in a hurry, or don't have access to a lot of raw material, a passive compost bin might be for you.

A pile of leaves left to itself will often take a long time to compost. But if you keep in mind the following guidelines, the passive bin can be coaxed to give you finished compost within a reasonable time.

Place your compost bin(s) in a convenient location. Since you will be adding material to your passive compost pile frequently, make sure it's easily accessable. Also make sure it's within easy reach of the garden hose; your passive pile will require many waterings, because of its long composting period.

Using the passive method, you continually add the ingredients as you get them while keeping in mind that the pile should be about 50% "greens" and 50% "browns" (see C:N ratio). It's helpful to keep a bag of leaves, shredded newpaper or other "browns" near your bin to cover your kitchen scraps and mix with your lawn clippings. Avoid adding any seeds and do not add material from possibly diseased plants.

Continue to add material to your passive compost bin until it is nearly full. This may take a while since as the material composts, its volume decreases. After you stop adding ingredients to your passive compost pile, continue to monitor its Moisture level keeping it about as wet as a damp sponge (At this point, while you're waiting for this pile to mature, its nice to have a second bin around to deposit any new stuff). In several weeks to a few months, the original materials used in the pile should no longer be identifiable. The compost should be a nice uniform brown color and smell like good rich earth. Your compost is now finished and ready for use in your garden.