How to make your compost mature faster: tips and tricks

A faster maturing compost is the result of careful care and observance of a few basic principles. With the right mix of materials, regular aeration and optimum moisture control, you can speed up the maturing process considerably and use mature compost for your garden after just a few months.

1. the right mix of green and brown

A successful composting process starts with the right balance between nitrogen-rich "green" materials and carbon-rich "brown" materials.

• Green materials: These materials are rich in nitrogen and promote the growth of microorganisms. Examples include kitchen waste, coffee grounds, and fresh grass. Nitrogen promotes the decomposition of organic matter and provides the necessary nutrients for compost.

• Brown materials: These materials contain a lot of carbon and provide good structure and aeration in the compost. These include dry leaves, small branches, paper and straw. Carbon rich materials ensure that the compost is well aerated, which is essential for the activity of microorganisms.

Tip: Make sure that you use approximately two parts of brown materials for every part of green materials. This balance ensures quick and even decomposition.

2. shredding the materials

The smaller the pieces, the faster the decomposition. Chop up waste before you put it in the composter. Kitchen waste can easily be chopped up with a knife, while garden waste such as branches should be chopped up with a shredder. Smaller pieces have a larger surface area, which gives the microorganisms a better surface to attack and speeds up the decomposition process.

Tip: Shredding large leaves and pieces of paper also helps the compost to mature more quickly.

3. regular turning

Turning the compost is one of the most important tasks to speed up the composting process. Turning introduces oxygen into the compost, which promotes the activity of microorganisms and prevents rotting. A well-aerated compost heap reaches higher temperatures faster, which accelerates decomposition.

Tip: Turn the compost every two weeks or so to promote the maturing process. To do this, use a pitchfork or a special compost turner to mix the compost evenly.

4. optimum moisture

The moisture content of the compost plays a decisive role in the speed of decomposition. Compost that is too dry slows down the activity of the microorganisms, while compost that is too wet can lead to rotting.

Tip: The compost should feel like a wrung-out sponge. If it is too dry, add water. If it is too wet, mix in dry, brown material.

5. use compost accelerator

Compost accelerators are special products that contain additional micro-organisms or enzymes to speed up the decomposition process. These can be added to the compost to increase the microbial population and speed up decomposition.

Tip: Use compost accelerators according to instructions and mix them thoroughly into the compost layers to ensure even distribution.

6. filling in layers

A compost heap that is filled in layers matures faster as the materials are evenly distributed and do not compact. Alternate layers of green and brown materials to promote air circulation and evenly distribute moisture.

 

Tip: Start with a layer of coarse material such as twigs or straw to ensure good drainage and air circulation at the bottom of the compost heap.

7. temperature control

A hot compost heap matures faster. The optimum temperature is between 40 and 60 degrees Celsius. This temperature not only promotes decomposition, but also kills weed seeds and pathogens.

Tip: Use a compost thermometer to check the temperature regularly. If necessary, turn the compost to increase the temperature.

Conclusion

Proper care and technique make all the difference when it comes to maturing compost faster. By mixing materials correctly, turning regularly and controlling moisture and temperature, you can produce high-quality compost in less time. These tips and tricks will help you get the best out of your composter out of your composter.