How Do I Speed Up The Composting Process?

“I recently started backyard farming here in Ontario, and I’m amazed at how quickly the organic waste is piling up. I want to speed up the composting process to turn all this waste into nutrient-rich soil faster. Can you provide some detailed advice and steps on how I can achieve this?” Thanks, Benjamin, Toronto, Canada.

How Do I Speed Up The Composting Process?

Benjamin, it’s great that you’re enthusiastic about backyard farming and composting! Efficiently turning organic waste into compost can be incredibly rewarding, not to mention beneficial for your plants. There are several techniques and best practices to speed up composting. Let’s look at them closely.

The Basics of Composting

Understanding the fundamental principles of composting is essential before diving into the specifics of speeding up the process. Composting involves the breakdown of organic material through microbial activity, resulting in nutrient-rich soil known as compost. A healthy compost pile requires a balance of green materials (nitrogen-rich) and brown materials (carbon-rich).

Green vs. Brown Materials

It’s crucial to maintain the right balance between green and brown materials:

• Green materials: These are high in nitrogen. Examples include fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, grass clippings, and manure.
• Brown materials: These are rich in carbon. Examples include dried leaves, straw, cardboard, and paper.

For faster composting, aim for a ratio of about 30 parts carbon to 1 part nitrogen.

Chop or Shred Larger Materials

Composting large pieces of organic material can take a lot of time. To accelerate the process, chop or shred materials into smaller pieces. This increases the surface area and allows microbes to break them down more efficiently. For instance, instead of adding whole carrot tops or large leaves to your compost pile, cut them into small strips or chunks.

Maintain Optimal Moisture Levels

Moisture is critical for microbial activity. The compost pile should be kept moist but not waterlogged, resembling the wetness of a wrung-out sponge. In drier climates like your’s, occasional watering might be necessary, while in wetter areas, you may need to cover your pile to prevent it from getting too soggy. Check the moisture level regularly by squeezing a handful of compost; it should hold together without dripping.

Turn the Pile Regularly

Turning the compost pile aerates it, providing oxygen to the aerobic bacteria that speed up decomposition. Aim to turn your compost pile every 1-2 weeks using a garden fork or a compost tumbler if you’ve got one. Regular turning helps to mix materials, break up clumps, and distribute moisture and heat evenly, which all contribute to a faster breakdown process.

Boosting Microbial Activity

Microbes are the powerhouses of composting. Here are some ways to give them a boost:

• Add finished compost or soil: Introducing some already finished compost or garden soil to your new pile can inoculate it with beneficial microorganisms.
• Use compost accelerators: Specially designed compost accelerators or activators can be purchased, containing bacteria and fungi that can help to kickstart the decomposition process.

Maintain Adequate Heat

Composting works best at higher temperatures (between 135°F and 160°F or 57°C to 71°C). If you find your pile isn’t heating up enough, it might need more nitrogen-rich materials or better insulation. Covering the pile with a tarp can help retain heat, especially in colder climates.

Balance Your Materials

As reiterated, the balance between green and brown materials is crucial. However, too much of one type can cause problems. For example:

• Too much green: Can make the pile soggy, smelly, and slow down the process due to lack of air.
• Too much brown: Can cause the pile to stay dry and decompose much slower.

Monitor the balance, adjusting the types of materials based on how your pile is behaving.

Boost Aeration

Good aeration is crucial for rapid composting. In addition to turning the pile, you can improve aeration by:

• Adding bulky materials: Adding items like straw or wood chips can help create air pockets within the pile.
• Using perforated pipes: Placing perforated pipes through the middle of your compost heap can facilitate airflow and improve decomposition.

Consider Vermiculture

Introducing worms, especially red wigglers, into your compost pile can significantly speed up the process. Worms consume organic material and produce nutrient-rich worm castings. Vermicomposting can be especially beneficial in cooler climates or during winter months when microbial activity might slow down. Just keep in mind that worms prefer temperatures between 55°F and 77°F (13°C and 25°C), so they might not be effective in extreme conditions.

Minimize Non-Biodegradables

To keep the process efficient, avoid adding non-biodegradable items to your compost pile, such as plastic, metal, glass, and large pieces of wood that take several years to break down. Stick to organic waste for the best results.

Use a Compost Bin or Tumblers

Compost bins or tumblers can help maintain the right conditions for faster decomposition. Bins can keep unwanted pests away while retaining heat and moisture. Tumblers, on the other hand, make turning the pile easier and often result in quicker compost breakdown.

Add Manure or Green Plant Material

Adding animal manure (from non-meat-eating animals like cows, horses, and chickens) or fresh green plant material can bring in extra nitrogen, speeding up decomposition. Just ensure to mix these materials well with brown materials to balance out the high nitrogen content.

Location, Location, Location

The location of your compost pile can influence the speed of composting. Place your pile in a sunny spot to take advantage of the warmth, which can help speed up microbial activity. Just be sure to monitor the moisture levels more closely in sunnier spots to prevent the pile from drying out too quickly.

Seasonal Tips

Weather and seasonal changes can affect the composting process:

• Summer: Regularly water and turn the pile to maintain moisture and prevent it from drying out.
• Winter: Insulate the pile with straw or a tarp to maintain warmth and microbial activity. Consider building compost in larger piles to retain heat better.

Monitor pH Levels

Composting is most efficient when the pH level is slightly acidic to neutral (around 6-7). The pH can be monitored using pH strips or a pH meter. If the pH is too low (too acidic), adding lime can help neutralize it. Conversely, adding more green material can help if the pH is too high (too alkaline).

Patience Pays Off

Even with all these tips, remember that composting is a natural process that takes time. The speed of composting can vary depending on numerous factors like the types of materials, weather conditions, and how well the pile is managed. Regular monitoring, proper balance of materials, and diligent maintenance will yield faster and higher quality compost.

Common Pitfalls and Mistakes

Here are some mistakes to avoid:

• Overloading with one material type: As mentioned, balance is key. Too much of one type can throw off the balance and slow down the process.
• Ignoring moisture levels: Both too much and too little moisture can hinder microbial activity. Consistent moisture monitoring is essential.
• Composting inappropriate materials: Certain materials like meat, dairy, and oils can attract pests and create unpleasant odors.
• Not turning the pile: Without turning, the pile can lack oxygen, resulting in slower decomposition and potential smell issues.

Final Thoughts…

Benjamin, thank you for your question! Speeding up composting involves a balance of materials, regular maintenance, and a bit of patience. The right blend of green and brown materials, consistent turning, proper moisture levels, and good airflow will all contribute to faster decomposition. Happy composting, and may your backyard farm flourish!