Compost pile- acceleration of break down?

Question

Hi,

I started a compost pile in last years garden, I raked up all of the leaves, cut the grass, and sucked up the twigs, etc., and mulched everything up and added it to the pile. This reduces landfills, and bagging of debris, it will also give me tons of good soil for next years garden. Will this compost break down by next spring ? I know that I have to "TURN" it, and keep it wet. Is there anyway to accelarate the decomposition of this "Ditritis" material ?

Answer 1

Here's the DeaL on Compost:

The smaller the particles [in the pile], the faster it will breakdown. "Twigs" [unless chopped finely w/a chipper] are not a good choice if you're looking for a quick return. Plus, you need the right amounts of the right ingredients: Carbon, Nitrogen, organic matter, water, air.

NOTE: The Composter's best friend is a lawnmower w/bagger attachment. This allows chopping up, while collecting, the combination of grass/nitrogen and leaves/carbon. [Green = Nitrogen; Brown = Carbon]

NOTE.1: Never add any grease, meat, or dog/cat manure.

BASIC COMPOST RECIPE:
Line bottom of pile with something that will allow air to circulate: Unchopped leaves, maybe; better choice is small twigs or the like. Only need a couple of inches for this bottom layer.

After each addition of the following Layers [before adding the next Layer], sprinkle w/Water.
Layer 1: 6-8" of chopped-up Leaves. [If mixed w/grass cuttings, so much the better. If leaves not mixed w/grass, your grass cuttings will be the next layer.]

2nd Layer: 2-3" of grass clippings.

3rd Layer: Sprinkle w/soil over entire pile. Only need about 1". Sprinkle w/Water.

Repeat Layers [for as much stuff as you've got].

You can add additional Layers at any time. Don't forget to sprinkle w/Water & a bit of Soil to hasten decomposition.

MORE INTENSE COMPOST:
You can add sawdust, but should counter it w/addition of wood ash. Both in small amounts.

You can add chicken, horse or cow manure. Chicken manure is highest in nitrogen. Care need be taken not to add too much [of any manure].

You can add kitchen scraps: coffee grounds [including filters, but unless chopped up, will be there for awhile], egg shells, vegetable cuttings are ideal. Best to put this into the pile by digging a hole in the center & covering. Even newspaper, if shredded, is good.

"Turning" the pile [mixing it all up] will hasten decomposition. The biology is basic: smaller particles have more edges on which to touch everything else that's aiding its decomposition; mixing it up, allows additional "touching".

If it's Organic, it will breakdown. Only issue is Time ~ the smaller the ingredient, the faster it will turn into a reusable byproduct. And that byproduct is something so good ~ they don't sell it in stores.
Have FuN!

Answer 2

First of all DO NOT ADD sawdust!! As it breaks down it uses nitrogen.

A healthy, working compost pile needs to be built maintained in layers of green and brown.

Green being your soft green waste - kitchen vegetable trimmings, green garden trimmings.

Brown being, existing soil, peat moss or even newsprint.
The brown layer provides a home for the worms who will feed on the green and create that much wanted "compost" for your garden.

Depending on where you live you may not need to stir it, we never have. We have several compost containers that we fill then seal and move to the next one. When the compost is ready we empty it from the trap door at the bottom side, as the top is usually not quite ready and that falls down to form the base for the new pile.

There are also enzymes available at your garden centre that accelerate the composting process.

Answer 3

Barbados Chick is right--alternate brown & green. In my own compost pile, I've noticed that grass clippings get a lot hotter and degrade a lot faster than anything else.

Answer 4

Keep adding kitchen scraps (no meat of course). It should feel hot to the touch, if it doesn't you might want to make two piles. Make sure the pieces aren't too big. You need a 30 - 1 carbon to nitrogen ratio. You might need to add sawdust. Check the link for more information and troubleshooting.

Answer 5

All the composting tips are good except the saw dust.
I tend to find myself topping off my pile with natures liquid gold.
This is a free liquid that is expelled after a few brews.

Answer 6

Worms

Answer 7

yes you can urinate on it is one option not one iv tried but its an option nevertheless the secound is you can start up vermicompost it still helps the environment and helps you get good soil way faster plus helps worms
p.s. you use red wrigglers for vermicompost and you should research it first for best results