Basically, if you want to get high-quality compost, you need to instigate decomposition, the process which is impossible without bacteria.
There are two types of composting bacteria, aerobes they need oxygen for working and anaerobes they work without oxygen. Which ones you need to encourage will depend on the kind of composting you prefer aerobic in the piles, heaps and tumblers; or anaerobic in the sealed-containers. Since most of us prefer making compost piles or using tumblers, it is evident that we need to encourage aerobic microorganisms. Overturning aerating your compost will make a difference will you get compost within month or eight months.
The primary reason for slower decomposition and lower temperatures in the center of the pile are anaerobic conditions. Unfortunately, there is no strict rule when and how often to turn compost pile during the process of decomposition.
It primarily depends on:. However, everyday turning is not a good option too. It can disrupt the formation of actinomycetes and fungi necessary for the composting process.
At the same time, too frequent overturning the heap will prevent it from heating up properly. One of the excellent ways to check the temperature of your pile is to use a compost thermometer. When the temperature decreases to approximately F I like using a compost tumbler since its design makes overturning the compost pile more comfortable.
When the compost is highly active, the temperature will be around degrees Fahrenheit or higher. When it dips below degrees, I know it is cooling down and it is about time to turn it. Another good rule of thumb is to turn your compost pile when you see it has reduced in size by about one third.
So now we know that turning our compost pile will give us compost more quickly, but how exactly should we go about accomplishing that goal? A couple of different methods are available to turn compost depending on how you have it contained and what tool you prefer to use. Before we get into the methods, I have a few recommendations that I always do whenever I turn my own compost pile.
First, I check the moisture level. If it looks dry, I spray down the material with a hose as I add layers and recreate the pile. If it is too wet, slimy, or has a foul smell this tells me that I need to add more brown material such as dried leaves, bush trimmings, cardboard, paper, etc. I have explained some beneficial practices during the process of turning a pile, but you may be wondering you if you should be constantly adding new material to the pile.
I mentioned adding more green or brown material to your pile to correct deficiencies. However, it may seem practical and easy to just keep adding material to your pile as you obtain it. Another option is to add dry, brown organic materials. Oxygen is needed to support the breakdown of plant material by bacteria. To supply oxygen, you will need to turn the compost pile so that materials at the edges are brought to the center of the pile.
Turning the pile is important for complete composting and for controlling odor. Wait at least two weeks before turning the pile, to allow the center of the pile to "heat up" and decompose. Once the pile has cooled in the center, decomposition of the materials has taken place. Frequent turning will help speed the composting process. Bacteria and other microorganisms are the real workers in the compost process. By supplying organic materials, water, and oxygen, the already present bacteria will break down the plant material into useful compost for the garden.
As the bacteria decompose the materials, they release heat, which is concentrated in the center of the pile. You may also add layers of soil or finished compost to supply more bacteria and speed the composting process. Commercial starters are available but should not be necessary for compost piles that have a proper carbon to nitrogen ratio 1 part green organic material to 1 part brown organic material. In addition to bacteria, larger organisms including insects and earthworms are active composters.
These organisms break down large materials in the compost pile. The amount of time needed to produce compost depends on several factors, including the size of the compost pile, the types of materials, the surface area of the materials, and the number of times the pile is turned.
For most efficient composting, use a pile that is between 3 feet cubed and 5 feet cubed cu. When to compost How to compost Problems.
Suitable for When to compost Composting is done all year, as and when suitable materials are generated in the garden or home. How to compost The site and container It is important that the site is not subjected to extremes of temperature and moisture, as the micro-organisms bacteria and fungi that convert the waste to compost work best in constant conditions.
Bins less than 1 cubic m 1. Getting the right balance of composting materials Aim for between 25 and 50 percent soft green materials e. They contain high levels of nitrogen a nutrient found in green waste , but should not be necessary if green waste is plentiful. It is also possible to purchase activators containing carbon a nutrient found in brown woody waste ; these are aimed at composting grass clippings or other green waste where there is insufficient brown waste Lime: People sometimes think you need to add lime to the compost heap, but there is no need to do so Turning the heap Turning the heap adds air; air is necessary for composting to occur.
When is the compost ready? Problems Sometimes the results of composting are not as expected. See also RHS video: making compost. You may also like. Green manures. Mulches and mulching. Mushroom compost. Organic matter: how to use in the garden. Organic matter: what is it?
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