On Sat, 14 Jun 2008 06:37:44 -0700, "Eigenvector"
wrote:

A couple questions about my compost piles (plural) if you will.

How often do you water them? I've noticed that with all the heavy rain I've
been getting lately that the clippings have composted rather quickly and
into some rather nice soil. All that makes me wonder if I'm not watering
the piles enough - as in I don't letting rain do that. I do turn my compost
piles, that's why I have two.

Keep the compost pile moist, not wet and not too dry, almost like
taking care of a typical house plant. Having at least a cubic yard of
material makes it work better, otherwise it may dry out too quickly.
If your rain gauge indicates 1" per week, that's about right and no
additional water is needed.


How long would you expect a tree branch to take to degrade? Normally I
don't put wood in with my compost, but the occasional fallen limb (less than
3/4" diameter) makes it in there. But some of those limbs have been in
there for a couple years without any outward indication of decomposition -
even when surrounded by fully decomposted grass, dandilions, and shrubs.

Limbs are too thick for typical composting and some may take years to
fully decompose. Put branches through a chipper/shredder and use them
for mulch. Some fresh sawdust (or small chips) can be added to a
compost, but use sparingly. White oak, cedar, redwood, teak, and
cyprus are decay resistant.