Patience is needed when you compost. It can take anywhere from one month to one year for your first batch of humus to be ready to use. It will depend on the size of your bin, if you are using cold or hot composting, what you are putting into the compost and the weather. Another factor to consider is what you will be using the finished product for. Different uses can utilize the compost at different stages of the process.
The longer a compost is allowed to decompose the finer, darker, and richer it becomes. But you do not have to wait until it reaches this state to use it. If you want to use the compost as mulch for your flower beds or other areas of your garden you can use it when it is still in a chunkier state. The mulch is used to keep an even temperature for the soil and discourage weed growth.
If you are going to be using the mature compost to add to your planting pots, the compost should be at the last stages of the process. Things to look for to know that your compost is ready are:
* The amount of material that is in your bin is reduced to approximately half of the original contents.
* When you look at the finished material, you can not tell what it used to be – no parts are recognizable.
* The pile will no longer be as hot (if using the hot composting method)
* The compost is dark in color and looks very much like a rich top soil
In order to have a steady supply of mature compost it is recommended to have a two-bin system going. Once your first container is full, you can continue to compost with the second bin until you can use the material from the first.
January 11th, 2009 at 5:22 am
Patience is the hardest thing for Americans. I remember my parents had a huge yard and made tons of compost. I live in the city and only have a small yard so I must throw away in the garbage what could be composted and turn around and buy fertilizer.
Its very sad for the environment.
March 4th, 2009 at 4:17 pm
im struggling with the patience! Ive recently moved into a new house with raised beds and a great big compost heap – it just seems to have frozen over winter so I can imagine will be a considerable amount of time….
July 16th, 2009 at 5:12 am
very interesting article .. i use it to for my plant
nice to know u
September 22nd, 2009 at 5:48 pm
Great information on composting. I have been doing it for years now and this is great information to have for anyone just starting out.
October 1st, 2009 at 5:41 am
Knowing what to look for when your compost is ready is hugely helpful.
I’m afraid in our early attempts we were always too impatient with ours, and would often unwittingly use it before it was completely ready.
Cases in point: “no parts are recognizable” and “pile will no longer be hot.”
Good advice. Thank you.
October 4th, 2009 at 3:36 pm
Also make sure you aerate the pile. You can do this by mixing the compost every other day to allow air to go in. This can help make it dry faster.