How do I fast activate a slow decomposing compost heap? Is there anything on the market that I can add to the mix? So far I've tried turning, loo rolls, grass clippings and kitchen waste (bar dairy/ meats) but it's not doing much. Anything you can suggest? Thanks!
2006-11-17 05:30:33 · 9 answers · asked by cathedralkat 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Garden & Landscape
It could be that something you are adding to the pile is causing it to kill useful bacteria, but I don't think that is the problem. As long as you avoid meat, fats, and dairy, as you say that you are, I don't think you'll have problems.
Compost takes time, warmth, air and moisture. Turning it regularly really helps.
"Cold" compost piles are best helped by adding worms. I wait for a heavy rain and then go around "rescuing" the worms on concrete, sidewalks, and rocks where they have come up for air. As I drop them in my compost pile, I can hear them saying "thank you!" as they wriggle down into the stuff. (OK, maybe I can't exactly hear them, but I know that they are happy.)
I've never had much luck with so-called compost "starters" or "activators". I think adding a layer of soil sometimes helps because it keeps moisture in and has a lot of useful bacteria. Other than that, you just have to wait.
2006-11-17 17:31:21 · answer #1 · answered by SafetyDancer 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The composter should be placed in a sunny area. Add moisture and turn the pile every 3 days. Warmth, moisture, worms and the addition of Oxygen by turning frequently hasten the rotting process. The product" Rot-it" can be added also, my own experience ist that the worms do not like it.
In the cold winter months not much is happening in the composter. Gardeners know that everything good needs patience.
2006-11-17 06:04:44 · answer #2 · answered by hildegard r 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hi,
I just toss in a handful of blood meal, soybean meal, or good soil from the garden.
The soil has the microbes that feed on and decompose the organic matter, and the blood meal or soybean meal give them a big supply of food to get started.
Turn your compost every so often so the good bacteria gets oxygen and to make sure all materials keep being exposed to the microbes.
Hope this helps,
Dave
2006-11-19 02:14:36 · answer #3 · answered by what'sthis4 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You do know it is going to take a year for it to really turn into usable fertilizer no matter what? There are things you can do like running leaves through a shredder, adding "starters" which are really active compost, throwing in worms, and keeping it damp and covered. However in real life you are looking for it to rot away and that just is not instant. Hang in there though. It is worth it.
2006-11-17 05:35:34 · answer #4 · answered by Rich Z 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Add nitrogen. Most of the biololgicals that break down your compost require nitrogen to work.
Also, turn and water your pile occasionally. Turning introduces air, which the bacteria and funguses (that are breaking down the waste into compost) need also.
2006-11-19 15:06:25 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Stop at you local garden supply store, you can buy liquid that will speed up the decomposition for you. You will have to turn your pile but it will speed it up.
2006-11-17 05:33:12 · answer #6 · answered by cowboydoc 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have you tried adding worms? Is it in a warm, sunny place (well, sunny at least, if you're in the northern hemisphere.)?
2006-11-17 05:33:32 · answer #7 · answered by Cobalt 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Worms, I'm sure they sell them online somewhere.
2006-11-17 06:12:04 · answer #8 · answered by porkchop 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wet it while turning/stirring,,:-)=
2006-11-17 05:33:14 · answer #9 · answered by Jcontrols 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋