When it comes to growing strong, healthy plants and flowers in the spring, there's nothing better than adding a little compost. But as the weather cools in the fall and microbial activity in compost slows, it is important to aerate it and speed up decomposition. Find out why and how you should turn your compost in the fall to get valuable organic fertilizer for your garden.
If you are composting at home for the first time or have never turned your compost before, it is important to know how to turn the compost to get the best results. Turning is a crucial step in the composting process, especially in the fall when the organic material is prepared for optimal decomposition in the winter months.
The perfect balance of heat and oxygen is essential for the rotting waste in the compost heap so that the beneficial bacteria can feed and break down the green and brown materials. However, as the compost rots, the layers settle and become compact and dense, which in turn limits the aerobic effect and limits microbial activity. Therefore, the valuable organic material should be regularly converted and aerated so that composting is successful and timely.
When do you turn the compost?
How often the compost should be turned depends on the composition of the compost layers and the correct ratio of brown and green material. The size of the compost pile and the type of material structure also affect frequency.
Ideally, the compost should be turned over every 2-3 months. Less often is also fine, but if you want valuable humus, do this at least twice a year - in early spring and in autumn, when there is enough garden waste.
If you hope to produce composted material quickly, it's best to turn your pile every two to four weeks. However, make sure that you wait at least two weeks between transfers so that it has enough time to warm up again in the middle and decompose further.
Avoid turning the compost too often during the colder months to keep it warm and prevent rotting.
Turning compost in the fall: step-by-step instructions
You can transfer the rotted waste either in the same container or in another container.
Before you start, you should get the necessary tools. This includes a pitchfork, a shovel and a compost sieve.
Choose a dry day to turn your compost so that it is slightly dried out and doesn't clump together, which can affect aeration.
If you want to rearrange your compost, your goal should be to move the bottom up and the top down.
Use a pitchfork to move the material from the edges of the pile toward the center. This helps ventilate the outer layers, which tend to be less decomposed.
Mix the entire contents well with the pitchfork to ensure even distribution and to break up any lumps. Aim for an even texture and moisture content.
If you have enough space in your garden, you can place a second compost bin right next to the first and transfer the material from the old bin to the new bin. This is very practical as it means you can be sure that the compost pile is well mixed from top to bottom.
Take the compost in layers with a shovel andput it on the compost sieveto refine the texture. Add the undecomposed material to the new compost heap and discard any stones or large pieces of branches.
Set the ripe compost aside to use later in the garden, making sure it contains lots of weed seeds and should not be sprinkled directly into the bed. Instead, work it into the soil.
Build a new compost heap
Add the undecomposed material to the new compost pile, ensuring a good mix of new and old material.
Collect the fallen leaves in the garden and the dead annual plants and add them to the pile. They form a valuable organic substance and are an excellent source of carbon. Just remember that evergreen leaves should be used with caution and avoid pine needles, which can rot for years and acidify the compost.
Also find out which othersWaste is not allowed in the compost.
Don't forget to turn over the new compost after 3 months to encourage rotting.
