Composting is an excellent way to feed your garden, but to make compost often be a slow process. Here are some detailed steps to speed things up and create lots of compost quickly. By keeping in mind the basics of materials and water, you can significantly reduce the time it takes to get crumbly, sweet-smelling compost. Additionally, there are other steps you can take to power up your composting process. Stick around to the end, as we’ll be making a new compost bin using free pallets.

Materials to make Compost

1. Greens and Browns:

• Green materials are high in nitrogen and tend to be sappy and fresh in texture. Examples include:

  • Grass clippings

  • Spent crops

  • Old bedding plants

  • Weeds (ensure they are free of seeds)

  • Kitchen scraps (vegetable peelings, fruit scraps, coffee grounds, and tea leaves)

Note: Some green materials, like grass clippings, may appear brown when dried but still count as green because they retain their nitrogen content.

• Brown materials are high in carbon and are typically dry and coarse. Examples include:

  • Leaves

  • Twiggy prunings

  • Wood chippings

  • Straw

  • Shredded newspaper and cardboard (ensure they are plain, non-glossy types)

Steps to make compost with speed.

2. Prepare the Materials:

• Chop and Shred: Keep the pieces small to increase the surface area for composting organisms. Use pruners, loppers, or a spade to chop stems. If you have a powerful lawnmower, it can be effective for chopping non-woody material like cornstalks.

• Mix Evenly: Aim for a mix of roughly equal parts greens and browns. Avoid adding too many high-moisture greens at once, as they can become compacted and slimy.

3. Use Natural Activators:

• Manure: The best activators are manures from herbivorous animals such as chickens, horses, and rabbits. These are rich in nitrogen and can jumpstart the composting process.

• Coffee Grounds: Many coffee shops are happy to give away used coffee grounds. These are excellent for adding nitrogen which is very important to make compost.

• Urine: Some gardeners use their own urine (diluted with water) as a nitrogen source. This can be an effective and free activator.

• Small Pet Waste: Bedding from small pets like guinea pigs or hamsters, which includes their straw, shavings, and droppings, can also be added.

4. Turn the Compost Regularly:

• Aeration: Turning the compost regularly introduces oxygen, which boosts the activity of beneficial bacteria and accelerates decomposition.

• Frequency: Turn the compost at least once every two weeks. More frequent turning can speed up the process even further.

5. Manage Moisture to make compost :

• Moisture Balance: The compost should be moist like a wrung-out sponge. Too much moisture can lead to a soggy, anaerobic mess, while too little can slow down the decomposition.

• Testing: To test moisture, grab a handful of compost material and squeeze it. It should hold together but not drip water.

• Adjusting: If too wet, add more browns and turn the pile. On the other hand, If too dry, water it thoroughly with a watering can.

6. Insulate the Heap:

• Winter Care: As winter approaches, cover the heap to insulate it and prevent it from getting too wet from rain. Use tarps, cardboard, or natural fiber carpets.

• Retain Heat: Insulation helps retain heat, which keeps the composting process active even in colder weather.

7. Monitor the Temperature:

• Heat Generation: A well-managed compost heap generates heat as microorganisms break down the material. The ideal internal temperature is between 130-160°F (54-71°C).

• Thermometer: Use a compost thermometer to monitor the temperature. If it falls below this range, turn the pile to introduce more oxygen.

8. Layering Technique:

• Layering: Start with a layer of coarse browns at the bottom for aeration. Alternate between layers of greens and browns, making each layer about 4-6 inches thick.

• Mix as You Go: Instead of creating distinct layers, mix greens and browns together to ensure even decomposition.

Starting a New Compost Heap

1. Choose a Location:

   1. Direct Soil Contact: Finally, Place the compost heap directly on the soil to allow worms and beneficial bacteria to enter easily. If this isn’t possible, introduce some soil or mature compost to kickstart the process.

2. Build the Heap:

   1. Pallet Bin: Use three salvaged pallets joined together with thick gauge wire. Hammer rebar into the ground for added stability.

   2. Layering: Start with a layer of twiggy brown material at the bottom to ensure good aeration. Add layers of greens and browns, keeping the proportions balanced.

3. Maintain the Heap:

   1. Regular Turning: Turn the compost regularly to introduce oxygen and speed up decomposition.

   2. Moisture Management: Adjust moisture levels as needed to keep the compost pile damp but not waterlogged.

By following these detailed steps, you can create beautiful, crumbly compost in as little as three months. For more tips and tricks on composting, check out our composting playlist for ideas to turbocharge your heap and clever ways to use the end result. Happy composting!

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