How Long Does It Take to Make Compost?
If you’re considering composting your food waste and yard waste, one of the first questions that comes to mind is how long does it take to make compost? The answer depends on several factors, including the method of composting, the temperature and humidity of the pile, and the materials that you’re using.
Composting Your Yard – The Fastest Way
One of the easiest ways to start making compost is to simply set up a pile in your yard and add organic material over time. If the materials are well mixed and the temperature is moderate, compost can be ready for use in three to four months. The amount of time that the process takes will depend on the materials, the moisture in the air, and the ratio of carbon to nitrogen in the waste.
Whether you’re using a traditional compost pile or a more advanced system, there are some general rules to follow to get the most out of your composting experience. These include mixing green and brown materials, keeping the carbon-nitrogen ratio equal, and rotating the pile regularly.
Mixing Green and Brown Materials
While composting, the balance between green and brown materials is important to help your compost decompose more quickly. To create an ideal balance, add a ratio of two to three parts brown materials for each part of green matter added. Examples of brown materials are dried leaves, grass clippings, and wood chips.
These materials should be shredded into smaller pieces before adding them to the pile. The smallest bits of organic material break down faster than larger chunks, so it’s worth cutting up scraps before putting them in the compost.
Rotating the Pile – The easiest and most effective way to compost is to rotate your pile daily. Doing this will keep the mixture moist and allow the microbes that live in the compost to thrive. Moreover, it will keep the pile from getting too hot or too cold, which could lead to odor problems and slow down the process.
Aerating the Pile – Turning your pile daily will also help to keep it moist and aerated. This will promote the growth of bacteria and other microbes that will speed up the decomposition process.
Bins and Bays – Large bins or bays are an ideal choice for people who don’t have a lot of space but still want to compost. They can be made from wood pallets, recycled lumber, or fencing material and are a great way to compost large quantities of materials.
Pallets – Pallets are a good way to keep your compost away from large animals and prevent them from eating it. However, they can be labor-intensive and require more time than bins or bays.
Free-standing – A free-standing pile can be created by building a large mound in the ground and covering it with a layer of shredded paper or newspaper. It may take a year or more for the pile to be able to produce usable compost, but it’s a cheap and effective way to get started.
