![]() Research by Tiqua et al show that when moisture levels are too high, the heat of the compost heap drops and slowed down the composting process. Getting the moisture ratio right Shredded paper helps soak up excess water. To speed up the process try adding ‘greens’ – items which are high in nitrogen, such as grass clippings or manure. If there is too much carbon, the process will slow down. The microorganisms in compost need both nitrogen and carbon to work. If your pile is slow, the carbon:nitrogen ratio might be out. The highly effective Hot Bin compost bin uses semi-decomposed wood chips to generate FAS which enables air to flow through your compost. While it may not be well known, composting systems which utilise FAS are very effective.Īll you need to do is introduce materials which create air pockets in the compost. But FAS gets plenty of attention in professional guides and by compost researchers. Older composting guides rarely mention Free Air Space (FAS) in composting. Learn more: How often should you turn your compost? 6. ![]() Some systems recommend turning your compost heap every day or two (see the Berkeley method below), but even turning it once or twice will help speed up the composting process. You can also turn your compost to introduce more oxygen into the mix. Alternatively you can buy compost duvets or make your own with materials such as old carpet or bubble wrap. Some compost bins, such as the Green Johanna and its winter jacket, have specially made compost duvets. Hot water bottles add warmth, compost duvets maintain warmth, helping to keep the optimum temperature for bacteria and fungi to break down organic materials. By the third day the compost was hot, reaching 50 degrees celsius. After adding a second sack of material I repeated the process the next day. After adding a sack of stockpiled compost material, I filled the bottle up with steaming hot water and dug it into the top of the compost. This is a tip I picked up when I received my Hot Bin compost bin. My little nieces were tickled at the idea of a compost bin having a hot water bottle to keep it warm at night! Use a hot water bottle to kick start your compost Hot water bottle heating up my compost. A single teaspoon full of soil can contain up to 100 million bacteria and 400 to 800 feet of fungal threads.īy adding in a little bit of old compost or some soil, you will ensure there is plenty of bacteria to kick start the composting process. The hard work in the composting process is done by bacteria and fungus. This enables aerobic, or ‘with air’, composting to take place and helps drain excess water.Īerobic composting is faster than anaerobic composting, reduces odour and is better for the environment. ![]() Placing a layer of twigs or bottoms at the bottom of your compost pile traps air inside the compost pile. If you’re as impatient as I am, and are wondering how to speed up your compost heap, you’ll find the following 16 tips will help you really accelerate the process! Hot composting is a great way to speed up the composting process. (You’d ideally let it mature for a while before using it for the first time!) In fact one composting system produces finished compost in just 14-21 days. The good news is that you don’t have to wait that long. A cold compost heap can take months or even years to reach perfection.
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