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How to Compost and Why It Isn't as Hard as You Think


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The microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) that turn rubbish into compost operate best under constant conditions, it's crucial that the location is not exposed to extremes of temperature and moisture. It is usually more practical to choose a shady section of the garden. Place the bin in a shaded area.


If you must compost on a hard surface, add some soil to the compost bin, as an earth base allows drainage and access to soil organisms.


Composting in bins is frequently preferred since they retain some heat and moisture and produce better compost more quickly, but even an open heap can eventually produce compost. As long as they prevent rain, keep some heat in, allow drainage, and allow air to enter, any compost bin should create compost.

Remember Smaller bins are substantially less efficient than bigger ones.



Getting the right balance of composting materials

To feed the microorganisms, aim to use between 25% and 50% soft green materials, like grass clippings, vegetable kitchen waste, or manure. The remaining material should be a woody brown colour, such as wood chippings, paper, cardboard, or dead leaves.


When the ratio of green to brown materials is ideal, the bacteria and microorganisms can generate compost.


Avoid allowing one substance to take over the pile, especially grass clippings, which can quickly turn into a sticky, unpleasant mess. Due to their propensity for being moist and easily compacted, brown woody material is best combined with kitchen rubbish and grass clippings.


Turning the heap

Air must be added to the heap through turning in order for composting to take place. Composting takes longer to complete if the heap becomes too compacted or too damp if there is less available air. Put a lot of compostable materials on the heap all at once if possible, and turn it occasionally (perhaps once a month) to let air in. Poor outcomes are primarily due to failure to turn the heap.


Many gardeners can't fill the heap all at once since they build up garbage gradually. As a result, homemade compost is rarely as good, but it still works.


In dry weather, keep the heap damp; turning it will allow you to check the moisture content.


When is the compost ready?

It might take garden compost anywhere from six months to two years to mature. A mature batch of compost will be deep brown, have the consistency of crumbly dirt, and smell musky.

Although it is unlikely that all of the material in the pile will be in this condition, it can still be used to make the upcoming batch of compost.


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