Do you know that you can make your own compost in three weeks? It doesn’t even need fancy equipment or a fortune. If you have organic waste and you want to improve the quality of the soil naturally, composting can be your solution. It’s true that traditional composting can take months to make, but it’s a good thing that we have a new method that can speed it up. In general, you can even make compost in just 3 weeks.
The Importance of Composting
Why should you know how to make your own compost in three weeks? First of all, it’s a sustainable (not to mention also natural) way to recycle your organic waste so you can create soil that is rich in nutrients. Whereas most people believe that making a DIY compost is always complicated or difficult, that’s not the case with this modern way of composting.
Right Ingredients Are Crucial
The key to fast composting is to use a balanced mix of "green" and "brown" materials. Green materials are rich in nitrogen and include things like fruit and vegetable scraps, grass clippings, and coffee grounds. Brown materials are high in carbon and include items such as dried leaves, straw, newspaper, and cardboard. Aim for a ratio of roughly 50% green materials to 50% brown materials to ensure proper decomposition and balance in your compost pile.
Chop or Shred the Materials
To speed up the composting process, it's important to shred or chop your materials into smaller pieces. This increases the surface area of the organic matter, allowing microbes to break it down more quickly. Use a shredder or lawn mower to chop up larger materials like branches or leaves, and chop or tear fruit and vegetable scraps into smaller pieces before adding them to your compost pile.
Create (or Build) a Hot Composting Pile
Hot composting is a fast and efficient method that relies on the heat generated by microbial activity to break down organic matter quickly. To build a hot compost pile, layer your shredded materials in alternating layers of green and brown, making sure to keep the pile moist but not soggy. Aim for a pile that is at least 3 feet high and 3 feet wide to generate enough heat for rapid decomposition. You can also add a compost activator or starter to introduce beneficial microbes and kickstart the composting process.
Turn Often
Turning and aerating your compost pile regularly is essential for maintaining optimal conditions for decomposition. Use a pitchfork or compost turner to mix and aerate the materials in your compost pile every few days. This helps introduce oxygen into the pile, which speeds up decomposition and prevents the pile from becoming compacted. Additionally, turning the pile helps distribute heat evenly throughout the compost, ensuring that all materials break down quickly and efficiently.
Monitor Moisture Level and Temperature
To ensure that your compost pile is working efficiently, monitor the temperature and moisture levels regularly. Use a compost thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pile, aiming for a temperature between 120°F and 160°F for hot composting. If the temperature drops below this range, turn the pile to introduce more oxygen and heat it up. Additionally, check the moisture level of the pile by squeezing a handful of compost. It should feel like a damp sponge, with moisture evenly distributed throughout the pile.
After 3 weeks, it should be ready with its earthy smell and crumbly and dark color. You can spread it in your garden after removing any undecomposed materials. Once you understand the way to make your own compost in three weeks, you can start making your soil rich.