Should I stop adding new material to my compost bin if I want to harvest mature compost before too long?

Question

I started a 1 yard by 1 yard compost bin made of spare lumber about six months ago. I've added plenty of fall leaves, fresh-cut grass, weeds, coffee grounds, tea bags, vegatable and fruit waste and eggshells over the past few months.

I'd say the pile is about halfway rotted. There's some of the black stuff, but there are also some grass and leaves that have yet to decay.

Now that I'm getting ready to garden, I'd like to use some of the mature compost, but I still have plenty of stuff to add to the pile. How do I have my cake and eat it too in this situation? Would adding more material at this point be good for my pile or not? What would you do in this situation?

Answer 1

I would suggest that you make 1 more compost bins. Sorry..
When you use the 1 bin system you have to remove the top layer to get at the good stuff on the bottom, then throw the un decomposed stuff back in.
In most cases the 2 bin system works much better. As the material decomposes you just transfer it from #1 bin to #2 bin. Keep adding the fresh stuff to #1.
Having the 2 bin system will just save you some work in the long run. If you don't mind a little extra work and your not composting on a large scale just stick with what works for you.
Good luck with your gardens.. I posted a really good composting link. The site will give you some excellent ideas on composting, ideas for bins and how to go about using the compost you produce.

Answer 2

either start a second bin, you only need to make a back and side if you add it along the first bin, or remove the top material and take out the rotted stuff. i have two separate piles, last years stuff, and the stuff from two years ago, i will use the older stuff this year. when empty, that will be the bin for this years stuff. they say to mix the pile as you add things to it, a layer of "green" fresh items, then some "brown" dirt or incomplete compost as you add more. i also turn my pile about once a month, either with a pitchfork or the cultivator. i have found that adding flat soda (coke), speeds up the breakdown of the stuff, i've also done a cup of sugar in 4 or 5 gallons of water. seems the bugs and worms like the sweet stuff. good luck, hope this helps.

Answer 3

It's really nice if you can have 2 bins. That way you can let one rest while adding to the second. It gives you a place to throw the uncomposted stuff off the top of the pile you want to dig out of as well. I actually have 3 bins, but I'm lazy and never turn any of them. That way I always have one to take from, one that's working, and one that I'm adding to. I have a lot of room though. I also built a sifter that fits right over my garden wagon for when my pile is a little on the rough side - it gets the big chunks and unfinished stuff out.

Answer 4

You may try Putting a door in the side And Not Mixing so deeply. That way you might be able to have fresh stuff up top, but down on the bottom should be good stuff.
You may divide it in half then transfer From new side to old after getting all old out)

Answer 5

I would not add more to it if you plan on being able to use it soon. It will not "compost" and you will have decaying material in your garden.