>> I do not turn or stir the pile, I just let it sit for about 6 months to a year,
I think you've proved that mixing is not necessary unless that's too long to wait.
>> When the first pile is full I start another so I always have one pile being built and one cooking.
That's a good solution to waiting, if you have enough raw ingredients.
I "mix" by intention, but I guess I layer by default when I add a bunch of kitchen scraps or fruit stand rejects every few weeks. I don't mix them right away, I leave them in "pockets" and figure that worms and other larger critters will find them easier that way and start the process. I intend to stir them around after they've sat long enough that they won't look or smell gross, but I don't always get around to it.
It all rots in the end.
