Good compost is the foundation of a good garden. We have been running a three-bin system at Blackberry Hollow for years, and it is hands down the best investment of time and effort on the entire farm.
The Three-Bin System
Bin 1 is where fresh material goes — kitchen scraps, chicken coop bedding (pine shavings and manure, what a combo), garden trimmings, and the occasional cardboard box torn into pieces.
Bin 2 is the "cooking" stage. Once Bin 1 is full, we turn it into Bin 2 and let it break down. We turn it once a week and keep it damp but not soggy.
Bin 3 is the finished product — dark, crumbly, sweet-smelling compost that the garden plants go absolutely wild for.
What Goes In
Green materials (nitrogen-rich): Kitchen scraps, fresh grass clippings, chicken manure, coffee grounds.
Brown materials (carbon-rich): Pine shavings from the coop, dried leaves, cardboard, straw.
The ratio is roughly 3 parts brown to 1 part green. Do not overthink it — the compost pile is more forgiving than you think.
What Stays Out
No meat, dairy, or oily foods — they attract critters and smell terrible. No diseased plants. No pet waste (dog and cat). Chicken and goat manure? Absolutely — that is black gold in the making.
The Results
Every spring we spread finished compost across the garden beds, around fruit trees, and in the flower borders. The soil gets darker, richer, and more alive every year. The earthworm population has exploded, and the plants show it — bigger harvests, healthier leaves, fewer pest problems.
Start a compost pile. Your garden will thank you.