How to Create FAIL-PROOF Compost in 3 Easy Steps

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All of us have heard about composting. It SOUNDS like a great way to have a lower carbon footprint, to keep your scraps and your kitchen waste out of the landfill... but it’s intimidating. Learn this easy method of backyard composting and how to troubleshoot when things go wrong.
Free Composting Cheat Sheet! www.anneofalltrades.com/composting-cheat-sheet
For a full, step-by-step tutorial on the composting method, visit my blog post here: anneofalltrades.com/blog/easy...
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I'm Anne of All Trades. In NASHVILLE, I have a woodworking, blacksmithing and fabrication shop, a selection of furry friends, and an organic farm. Whether you've got the knowledge, tools, time or space to do the things you've always wanted to do, everything is "figureoutable." I became "Anne of All Trades" out of necessity. With no background in farming or making things, I wanted to learn to raise my own food, fix things when they break, and build the things I need. 8 years ago I got my first pet, planted my first seed and picked up my first tool. Get a better roadmap of how to grow deep roots and live the life you want subscribing to this channel and look for NEW VIDEOS EVERY WEEK!
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My goal is to learn and share traditional techniques and skills while showing my peers how to get from where they are to where they want to go, how to do the things they are passionate about, and what can be done TODAY to engage their own community and grow deep roots. Whether it's carving spoons, making my own hand tools, restoring my antique truck or growing heirloom tomatoes, the farm and workshop definitely keep me busy and support- whether financially through Patreon, through shopping my affiliate links, through buying merchandise, plans or project videos, or even just liking, commenting, and sharing my content with others helps me GREATLY to keep producing quality content to share.
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#compost #compostpile #howtobuildacompostpile

[@samscorgie3484]

Your videos make me feel like I have a cool aunt or cousin teaching me directly about these farm skills I don’t yet have but need for our move next week to 6 acres :) thank you for doing what you do!

[@AnneofAllTrades]

That is pretty much the best compliment I could get.

[@MansterBear]

6 acres? Awesome! That's our dream some day too. We have just under 1 acre now... but with house prices and interest rates, we won't be moving any time soon. Congrats though! It's been 10 months. How'd your garden go last year? Trying anything new this year?

[@mrssanchez6778]

The way you explained compost in this video makes it make a lot more sense to me.

[@harpladyshomestead5278]

I live in Florida and have problems with chronic fatigue. Our sand, full of root knot nematodes, bull briars, and sand burrs, is really difficult to grow in. The labor is difficult for me, so your relaxed lazy gardening style gives me hope that I can do this!

[@ultraflame54]

hi how are you

[@eby6114]

Not sure what part of Florida but I buy mushroom compost a load for under a hundred delivered. They sell metal grow boxes online around 25 bucks. Bonus material if you use a shade cloth you can pretty much grow year round it makes it much more comfortable in the year round summer...ok I'm exaggerating about the summer but it's not a far stretch.

[@ultraflame54]

@@eby6114 no.

[@madisonv8642]

@@eby6114where do you order the mushroom compost from? What do you grow in it? Thanks

[@eby6114]

@@madisonv8642 most places that sell gravel and wood chips in my area sell mushroom compost. I am in Central Florida though. So I can shop in Leesburg Florida and Fruitland park.

[@user-wg4qd7tu3l]

This is absolutely the BEST compost video I have ever seen!! I have watched a crap ton of them that are not adequately broken down. (See what I did there?) Not only is your explanation informative and easy for non-scientific people to understand, it’s WILDLY entertaining!!! Thank you a HEAP!!! ❤❤😂

[@daniealsneed6766]

Omg I miss seeing your smiling face. Welcome back.

[@chippyandpunk]

And they say, "You can't teach an old dog new tricks" WOOF! I just learned something new today. Thank you Anne.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Yeeehaw! Glad to hear it!

[@allenbutterfield4989]

0

[@lint2023]

Fricking best composting video ever!!!

[@AnneofAllTrades]

So glad to hear it!

[@cmcinder]

I wish I had this much energy! You are living my dream with all of those animal helpers. Love this video and thank you for the tutorial. First I’m gonna take a nap. lol!

[@1rdgrnnr]

as a master-gardener i give you an A+, as a farmer, i give you an A+ your tolerance is fantastic. good to see you back !!!!!

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Thank you! Glad you’re here ❤️❤️

[@maraelaine7360]

This is one of the best explanations of compost I've seen. Thank you

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Wow, thank you!

[@shaunamaness854]

I just found your channel! You are a phenomenal teacher- I’m going to use your videos for my homeschool science!! Seriously, you are so great!

[@juliabrown5948]

Same! This is perfect for my kiddos to learn!

[@russellwood8750]

Wow, that was great. Reminded me of my grandmother that’s exactly how she used to do hers. She didn’t have a box with a sieve on top. She used to use a wheel barrel, and my grandfather made a sieve that fit on top of it. She would then shovel it on top of the safe and spread it around with a small hand trowel. Very similar to what you do. My grandmother also used to compost her weeds. She once told me you have to compost them before they go to seed. However, you can compost weeds that have gone to seed as long as your compost pile is hot as it will kill the seeds. Enjoy watching your channel in many aspects, you remind me a little of my grandmother, and that is a compliment as she is the greatest woman I’ve ever known.

[@ashleatenny2719]

You are an amazing teacher! I've watched my dad compost for 20+ years, watched numerous videos and clips. Yours is the first to really make me understand the whys and hows. I think this year's compost is going to really take off with these tips!

[@AnneofAllTrades]

That makes my heart happy! Making complex things make sense is my favorite!

[@tarawatterson4188]

I've watched a number of composting videos and this was by far the best, most helpful one. Thanks!

[@NWforager]

in years Never heard such a concise breakdown on compost . Thanks Anne 💪🏽

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Thank you!

[@Joni.b.]

What a fantastic tutorial! And I never realized that a fist was a measurement! 😊

[@madhog6]

I've just been adding to a tote identical to the the black one you had by your second pile. I did have to drill holes in bottom to keep from flooding. Every once in awhile I shake up the tote. Come planting time, I just grab handfuls of the pile all willy nilly and inter it into my garden as I plant. It's a small garden but it's been working for me.

[@justinstewart3060]

I don’t plan on composting anytime soon but I enjoy watching your videos! Keep up the awesome work 😎👍

[@AnneofAllTrades]

That’s the best compliment I could get!

[@Manifestcovarience]

Hi Anne: This was a great video and I can't thank you enough for sharing your information about composting and the screen on the totes is a wonderful idea. I moved recently and have tons of totes. Also, I love your animals, they all look so healthy and happy and they are blessed to have you for their mom!

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Thank you! So glad you enjoyed it!

[@kamelsr]

I like your take on composting. It's different from the way I learned from my grandparents but there is always more than one way to do everything.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

I’d love to hear more about your grandparents’ method!

[@kamelsr]

@@AnneofAllTrades they lived Tacoma for all of their lives. At first they had two acres of land and had many fruit trees and a full garden. The composting was done by making the pile in stalls. They had three piles that were rotated so there was always fresh compost. Sadly they sold the property to the city when the Tacoma Dome was built and it's all a parking lot now.

[@DH-en4th]

The machete part was gold. TY! 😂

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Hiiiiiya!

[@mattevans-koch9353]

Always fun and educating watching your videos Anne. You really got photo bombed by that crowd! Thank you for the video and all of the helpful tips on composting. This is gong to come in handy this fall and winter so I'm ready in the spring. Take care.

[@wynelleu]

Loved how interested your alpaca were in the sifting process, lol.

[@DH-ry2ho]

Always great info and tips from Anne! Thanks!

[@SouthFloridaSunshine]

I also enjoy David the Good’s book -Compost Everything, but this is really great too for those who have room to compost this way with “building a house”, really enjoyed it.

[@camphircusquercus534]

I've never seen it done this way! Brilliant!!

[@claudiacochran9770]

I love your ideas and I will incorporate them into my garden, thank you for all your posts. ❤

[@tree_carcass_mangler]

Very thorough - thumbs up and thanks for posting!

[@rustyboltz5304]

Welcome back, I so look forward to your videos

[@rickpye2465]

Great info Anne! And I am so happy to see you on the KZbin again!

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Thanks so much! Glad to be back! Lots of new videos coming shortly!

[@kimberlysult8446]

I just found you and I ADORE YOU AND THOSE BABIES❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@lizluvsmargaritas]

You’re amazing! I love how you taught this. Now I know what to do.

[@CharlieThompson-pv5it]

Best composting vid I've seen. Thanks for the teaching.

[@thebusybrownangel5829]

Best composting video ever! 💚💚💚

[@batucarumbata]

❤ Anne so grateful to found you to the first video I saw today the tour to the lovely lazy garden and now here make my day nite. Love this video you know why the lovely animals all theme are the 🌟 in this video. Gratitude. Love all From Puerto Rico Caribbean. I am share this with my best friend that she call me mom .❤

[@eddy8828]

So much love for life in Anne. Thanks for the video.

[@caroljohnson6694]

Such a great explanation. You make it seem very doable.

[@brendakay5917]

Oh what a treat...love love all of your 4 legged helpers, Dr Annelittle :D Clearly they love you

[@mandyleeson1]

Lovely to see your mates coming to check what you're doing. Great trust there, good to see :-)

[@slowmoejazz]

A leaf shredder would help shred your greens. You have a great channel. Thanks for sharing!.

[@donnacreager8428]

Well done Anne! The 'wall' approach is brilliant. I will be doing this next year. 🙂

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Heck yes! Just gotta remember our house :)

[@sheamaloney5527]

You are a GREAT teacher! Thank you!!!

[@sylviavega-ortiz3006]

Very entertaining. Love your co-stars.

[@Rdneckcow]

I discovered you through Jess of Roots and Refuge..she mentioned you and I had to check you out...I truly enjoy your vlog.....like Jess you make everyone feel comfortable..I wish we were neighbors..**has anyone ever told you how much you favor actress Diane Lane...very pretty lady.** I'm 65 and retired in SC and really enjoying my yard...Tks for all your efforts to teach us....love the interaction with the animals.

[@Almosta-farm]

Thank you, i have learned so much! Your animals are so great ❤

[@firemanj35]

Love all your helpers. Thanks for the great information.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

You bet!

[@franciscodanconia4324]

I’ve been wondering how to created a convenient screen to screen my compost. Never thought of using a storage bucket. Great idea.

[@lynxg4641]

Excellent video, very well presented and easy to understand, definitely will help when I start my composting. One thing, you mentioned egg shells as something your animals don't really eat, which I found weird, as pretty much all of my 12 dogs absolutely love them, raw or boiled, they eat them like treats.

[@MzCAGOMEA]

Thank you for the video. I figured it's pretty expensive to make your own compost since you have to go out and buy mulch. Being able to use paper from around your home can help. Thanks for that tip.

[@PorchGardeningWithPassion]

Excellent video! 👊🏻🌻👊🏻

[@skogsmats]

Simple and clear. Nothing fancy or complex.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Thank you! That’s the goal!!

[@faithsfarmlife1424]

love watching your videos My ten acre farm is a new start. Hope the bad weather steered away from you i spet some time as a kid in Nashville . my family moved there

[@clifc6351]

Loved the tutorial on composting, yours looks like a nice airy loam. We have sand and rock for soil so it requires double digging, sifting and mixing organic materials to the sand in everything we plant. Thank You very much for your tips on making compost.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Best of luck! Hopefully this helps you on your road to better soil!’

[@user-ei3uo6zb2s]

Wow thank you so much your videos have helped me so much I have been living off grid for 2 years now, this is so helpful ❤️

[@AnneofAllTrades]

You are so welcome!

[@user-mg6il8uk3t]

Wonderful teaching video

[@zina6581]

You are so awesome! Thank you so much!! 😃

[@husk79]

i never knew it was so simple to make something nice and useable

[@lois1502]

Thanks so much, I can easily remember this method.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

So glad to hear it!

[@thorny3218]

I’ve been composting for a few years now. I learned the way really fast because the first attempt smelled like raw sewage. I then researched and realized I needed more carbon. Now I simply tear any cardboard that comes in. It’s been black gold ever since. I do the slow natural method, meaning I’m lazy and let the compost do it’s thing. Might take all year but it is easier than trying to rush it. I’ve been teaching my new girlfriend all about it. She’s getting to be great gardener fast. Cheers.

[@northerngirlhobbies]

Excellent info.

[@markmacdonald2347]

Great video Love seeing your fur buddies in your videos

[@AnneofAllTrades]

I love their interruptions too, most of the time 😂

[@jeffkey3158]

Great video!!

[@h.sinclair]

wow excellent tutorial!! thanks!!

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tonyburelle6633]

Excellent primer, well explained, in depth

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tonyburelle6633]

Your lessons always are

[@csiwele617]

awesome tut. very helpful. you're amazing :-)

[@JasonPatz]

Love it! Anne, I share your videos with my brother who, I think, has a farm someplace near you. Some very local help for him. :) Thanks for all you do!

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Thanks for that!

[@Agente000mcm]

"Little bit of water" -> proceeds to dump a full bucket😂

[@mountainviewturning5319]

Great tips 👍

[@angelahoward6089]

Thank you for sharing this with us….. Much love and respect 👍🏼💪🏼#girlpower

[@idlewildsage8088]

Loved this vid!

[@AnneofAllTrades]

So glad to hear it my friend! Hope you're well. Miss seeing your face every week.

[@GibClark]

Great stuff , thank you👍👍👍👍👍

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Thanks Gib!

[@Truologye]

Thank you😊

[@donrozwick7367]

Thanks for the Video @anneofalltrades

[@dakata160]

Great as always. I hope more people start doing this and protect nature and not throw everything where it falls, because we destroy ourselves, not viruses and similar nonsense. The planet is slowly fading and visible but people do not want it perceive.

[@DanKaschel]

Yes, everyone should just compost their depleted batteries

[@robertawestbrooks9531]

I enjoyed your compose video, thank you for sharing. I also loved your sweet tamed animals, Noah's Ark so awesome ❤❤

[@kennethpwhritenour2701]

Are you still work for Interval compost products in Burlington Vermont so I know the compost process commercially and homeowner wise and yours is right on

[@Skashoon]

That’s some fine looking compost! I make lots of compost but it never looks as good as yours. I’m starting another pile using your method. I use chicken poo and straw mainly. I can get free sawdust (and I have tons of wood chips but haven’t used them to make compost) Going to try using the sawdust as my carbon because straw takes longer to decompose.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

If your straw is taking too long, I’m guessing you’re either not getting it wet enough, your mixture is off, or you’re not stirring often enough. You should be able to get some really stellar compost with chicken poo and straw

[@joseantoniomenendezdomingu1162]

GREAT INFO 👍🇲🇽

[@musabadjie2969]

Wow you are doing a Great job okay 😍👋👍

[@jenniferaho1169]

I love your animals!!! Yes, I learned a lot. But!! Those animals ❤❤❤❤❤

[@jamolly3447]

@5:44 Chef's Soil Salad! Yummy! Thanks for the advice. My son now has a legitimate reason to use his similar looking machete haha! 👍

[@christinacooper8731]

I've just come across your platform and love the videos!! The animal cameos are hilarious!! Love ya! #lazygardensister

[@slowmoejazz]

I love all your friends that want to help.

[@4n2earth22]

I been praying that you and yours will stay safe from the storm presently raking across the southern coastal areas. The Mighty God of this universe, please lean in close to Anne and her family, friends and critters and keep them safe! Amen.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Thank you! We are ok here, just a little Wet :)

[@jeanallen7468]

Love the Alpaca photobomb!

[@jeanallen7468]

But apparently nothing compared to the donkey! 😂

[@jeanallen7468]

And then Lucy. What’s next? Ok I’ll stop now. Love it!!

[@LittleHomesteadOnHinerPond]

I just discovered your channel and love it! And I like the first harvest T-shirt you’re wearing but I don’t see it at your shop. Did you discontinue it?

[@kimdearing3051]

just started a small one. leaves , greens, a few food scraps, coffee grounds.... then more of last falls leaves ' stroke ' interfered with clean up... watered the layers with rain water... covered for now. i live in the woods so smell is no problem if it occurs.

[@carolinekloppert5177]

love your animals

[@heidiwheeler9917]

Best compost video ever!! I've watched a few and, each time, gone out to try their method and I am still left with soggy heaps of mush that aren't doing anything. So discouraging! This is a completely different method and makes a lot of sense to me, and I'm gonna give it another try. My only question is, with the cardboard on bottom, is your pile prevented from benefitting from earthworm exposure?

[@AnneofAllTrades]

The earthworms will eventually find it, but we don’t want them in there at first, because the pile will get too hot and kill them

[@dpmeyer4867]

thanks

[@AnneofAllTrades]

You're welcome!

[@gperk929]

This is a great video. Can you make a video of you turning a pile

[@AnneofAllTrades]

You’re in luck, I Already did! kzbin.info/www/bejne/raHEYnVmndaomdUsi=PJ9BdP_-9JQ0ZtTJ

[@creedsexton296]

sure hope to see some woodworking videos soon... I lie in the High Desert of southern California.... plants don't do well here....

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Coming soon! The move, the school build, trying to re-establish the farm, and all the business pivots we've had to make during the pandemic haven't left a ton of time for woodwork, but I'm currently editing three woodworking projects just for you :)

[@astridexplorer5096]

This is a terrific tutorial full of good information, and a compost "house" is a great, memorable analogy. Thank you. One question: Other content creators say that you should poke a hole through your compost pile to serve as a chimney, allowing oxygen (another necessary ingredient) to get through the layers, especially for "condo" height compost piles. What are your thoughts on this?

[@AnneofAllTrades]

I have done a ton of experimenting, and while the chimney does help increase airflow, I find it to also be a greater attractant for bugs and rodents, so I don't personally use them.

[@AndreaMazzini]

As a city dweller moving to the countryside this is gold, thank you for sharing.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

That is EXACTLY what I’m hoping to share here. Stuff that helps you gain the confidence to ditch the city and go country :)

[@paja7647]

@@AnneofAllTrades Aw, come on now! We compost in the city AND grow in raised beds AND raise chickens, (the neighbors do)! Not many restrictions here in Indianapolis. I just wish I had a neighbor with a goat, but someday 😄.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

@@paja7647 That's fantastic! That was me less than two years ago! Except... I was the neighbor with the goat haha

[@JohanPryra]

Hi Anne, thanx for the great video. I was wondering what size hole you recommend on the grid used for sifting?

[@AnneofAllTrades]

1/4” - 1/2” is good. Much bigger and the larger chunks will get in the way ;)

[@arthurwellsjr.4082]

How high do you usually make that type of compost pile? Do you have enough thermal mass with that pile? I've read & learned that a 4' x 4' x4' size pile is the minimum size to generate enough heat to generate & sustain heat for hot composting. I made a 4' x 4' x 4' hot compost pile in March of 2023 that was a mix of horse manure & oak leaves that generated head for 3 weeks.

[@rudyfisher7660]

Yeah I noticed that Lucy was stirring the compost pile hustle recently to leave it outside the house

[@meganweise6620]

Amazing explanation, thank you! Can I use leaves only for brown matter? I don't have access to chips but lots and lots of access to leaves.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Yes you can!

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Just keep it stirred because leaves can bunch together and create an anaerobic environment

[@jackieleonbruno2324]

can you use bagged mulch for the first layer,as long as its clean and free of dyes?

[@mikehomner4724]

Good to see "Old MacDonald's Farm" is chugging along. We've missed you!

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Thank you! Yeah this place has really given me a run for my money this year but I’m getting better at juggling.