Speed Up Compost Process-21 Easy Tips

The thought of how much time it can take to create compost can be daunting. That’s why you need these 20 easy tips to speed up your compost process.

Compost, black gold, is one of the best products you can create for your homestead. So taking the time to start your compost is definitely worth it!

The composting method we will be focusing on is Hot Composting; or aerobic composting. This method is an aerobic (with oxygen) process that uses heat to decompose materials–it is also one of the fastest ways to create compost!

Alright then! Let’s dive into how we can speed up the process for our compost.

21 Easy Tips to Speed up the Compost Process

1.Start your compost with an assortment of branches and twigs on the bottom layer.

One of the best ways to speed up your compost is by laying branches at the bottom of the pile. By doing this, you are allowing air pockets to be present. One of the main components to the composting process is oxygen. The aerobic microorganisms that turn your green and brown materials into compost require oxygen to thrive.

2. Cut up your waste to speed up the compost process.

Don’t just throw all your compost materials in straight from the kitchen or yard. Smaller materials will break down much more quickly. Large materials can take up to a year or more to break down. Those small pieces will be your best ally in making compost quickly. An easy way to quickly cut up your waste is by using a lawn mower.

3. Use materials that break down more easily.

Not all green or brown materials are created equally! The University of Florida made this wonderful

 chart (2) for you to refer to when deciding what to place in your compost pile.

4. Turn your pile often.

Aeration is one of the best ways to ensure that your microorganisms are staying healthy so they can do their job of creating compost. Turning your compost every few days will be enough to ensure your compost is staying healthy. It’s also probably the fastest way to speed up the decomposition process.

5. Be sure you are adding enough Carbon.

Carbon materials will ensure the compost is not too wet. There is an important Carbon/Nitrogen ratio that must be sustained. Otherwise, your compost will not heat up to the correct temperature range. It is imperative you have the proper balance to speed up the process.

Some examples of Carbon-rich materials would include: corn stalks, branches, dead leaves, cardboard, coffee filters, straw, hay, yard trimmings, sawdust to be used sparingly… 

6. Nitrogen materials are just as important.

Nitrogen-rich ingredients are essential, but you don’t need as much when compared to Carbon. Nitrogen should be added in small, controlled amounts–a small amount at a time, and always followed up with a layer of carbon material. One sign of too much Nitrogen is the smell of ammonia. Generally it’s from too many green materials in your compost.

Some great Nitrogen-rich matter to be used in your compost can include: fresh grass clippings spread out, fruit and veggie scraps, coffee grounds, dried-out livestock manure…

7. Include some already finished compost.

This is a great way to introduce some beneficial microbes to your new compost. In order to speed up the decomposition process in your new compost, sometimes you need to kickstart it with some already developed compost. The microorganisms found in that older compost will get your new compost started!

8. Add some compost activators/accelerators.

You can order some activators on Amazon, or even make your own compost accelerator! The recipe found at the link previously listed is easy to make and a great way to introduce some beneficial microorganisms to your compost.

9. Insulate your compost.

Since the composting process occurs after the compost has heated up (between 131-170 degrees F according to Rodale Institute) (3), covering your compost with a tarp can accelerate the composting process.

10. Add more dry leaves to speed up the compost process.

Leaves give the compost better structure and allow more aeration throughout the compost. Your kitchen scraps are very high in moisture. Too much moisture leads to anaerobic conditions, which halts the composting process since your microorganisms begin to die.

11. Find a pile size that works for your turning abilities.

Turning your compost is extremely important. So if you make a pile too big that you are unable to turn, you will develop areas that are wetter or denser than others. This means oxygen won’t be present. Alternatively, if your compost pile is too small and airy, it can dry out, therefore, killing your microorganisms.

12. During the summer months compost outside.

Heat is your friend when composting! Take advantage of the heat by finding a nice, sunny location away from your home.

13. In the winter try to move your pile indoors, or heat it up!

During Winter, the compost process stalls out. Of course, you won’t be able to haul an entire compost pile inside your home. However, if you are able to move some it inside you can keep a small portion going so it doesn’t all grind to a halt in those Winter months. Investing in a compost bin may be a great idea to keep the entire process going. One way to warm up the compost would be to place a hot water bottle into the center of the pile. This will jump-start your compost heap.

14. The larger the compost pile the better.

Another quick way to accelerate your compost is keeping that temperature up! The bigger the pile the more microorganisms you’ll get going, which increases the temperature. A large compost pile may be harder to turn, though, so plan accordingly.

15. Continuously check for air pockets in your compost.

Air pockets are good for your compost, so long as you don’t let your compost dry out! Referring back to #10, leaves help create air flow as well as small wood chips. The smaller the wood chips the better to speed up that compost process.

16. Not too much water, not too little.

If your compost is dry, decomposition will take forever! Too wet and you cause compaction which doesn’t allow oxygen to flow through. A good standard to keep for your compost is the wetness of a damp sponge. You don’t want your compost sopping wet, but you also don’t want it too dry.

17. Layer your compost.

By creating thin layers, you are avoiding compaction from all your green materials clumping together. Lay down your green materials, then follow it up with a nice layer of brown materials to allow for aeration in your compost.

18. Use red worms.

Unlike rodents and termites, worms are a wonderful addition to your compost! So don’t panic when you see them. They are a great aid to the composting process. You can also use a worm bin system to grow your own worms. Cornell University outlines how to grow your worms here (5).

19. Use the Berkeley Method to speed up your compost. (4) 

This Berkeley Method maximizes microbiotic activity to produce good-quality compost in only 14-18 days. When using the Berkeley Method, it is important to understand Carbon to Nitrogen ratios. The ideal ratio for composting to be around 30:1–or 30 parts Carbon for each part Nitrogen by weight. 

Therefore, when deciding what your compost needs to speed up the decomposition process, check what it’s Carbon/Nitrogen ratio is. This way you’ll be sure to keep your compost balanced where it needs to be to get the core temperature up.

20. Use a compost thermometer to monitor conditions.

Creating compost fast means that you need to keep the temperature high in your pile. By checking your pile frequently with a compost thermometer you can turn your pile accordingly and frequently.

21. Use animal manure in compost.

Manure is an excellent source of Nitrogen and a very abundant, and generally free!, resource. If you don’t have any of your own animals, get to know your community and more likely than not you can find someone more than willing to part with their poop!

The only thing to be aware of when using manure in your compost is to only use from animals that do not consume meat. Therefore cows, goats, horses and the like are all safe to use from. You can use chicken manure, but only after it has sat and composted by itself for about one year. Do not include manure from pigs, dogs or cats.

By using these tips, you’ll quickly be on your way to developing a nutrient-rich compost for your garden!

Why should I create a compost pile?

Now that you’ve got your tips and tricks, let’s get a little more personal. Why should you do it? There are several reasons why you should start composting on your homestead today.

• Composting benefits the soil structure and density. If your soil is too compact, a plant’s root system will struggle to develop. Introducing organic matter through composting will break up that dense soil structure.
• Improves plant growth. Because you are supporting the plant’s root structure, your overall plant health will be more vigorous resulting in a larger harvest.
• Allows more water to be retained in the soil. The organic material in your compost absorbs water more readily, which plants can use during dry spells.
• Minimizes your carbon footprint. The waste you produce from kitchen waste such as coffee grounds or vegetable scraps won’t end up in a landfill. Most importantly, it’s easy!
• Composting provides a way of using your garden waste, yard waste, food waste, yard trimmings…the list goes on!

This is our first season here to B & B Homestead with our own compost system in place. We are so excited to see the benefits for ourselves!

 

Disadvantages to composting.

I believe before beginning any new venture you should always be aware of the pros and cons. When it comes to composting there are some negative aspects to be aware of.

• Composting can take a long time. You need to remain committed to your investment in order to be successful.
• You must have access to enough brown and green materials. Otherwise, you will not have enough compost starters to begin the composting process.
• The decomposition process stinks! Picking a location far enough away from your home and neighbors is very important.
• Pests are drawn to the pile. Termites, flies and rodents can be a nuisance when building your compost pile.

Ultimately, the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages when it comes to composting.

What is compost?

So what exactly does compost consist of? It can include many different things. The key to creating a good compost pile is finding a balance between brown materials and green materials. There is a debate on-going about what the perfect carbon-to-nitrogen ratio should be… Many say it should be 1:1, or 50/50. Others will argue that the ratio should be 3 or 4 parts brown materials to 1 part green materials.

Cornell University has stated the following:

“The ideal C/N ratio for the compost process is generally considered to be around 30:1, or 30 parts carbon for each part nitrogen by weight. Why 30:1? At lower ratios, nitrogen will be supplied in excess and will be lost as ammonia gas, causing undesirable odors. Higher ratios mean that there is not sufficient nitrogen for optimal growth of the microbial populations, so the compost will remain relatively cool and degradation will proceed at a slow rate.” (1)

When this ratio is not close enough, along with adding water, your pile will not heat up enough and will take much longer to break down. The smell could also completely overtake your yard.

Commonly asked compost pile questions.

What are the brown materials in a compost pile?

Brown materials or waste would include any biodegradable waste that is mostly carbon-rich materials. Examples of this would include dried-out grass clippings, trimmings from your trees or bushes, dry leaves, wood chips, corn stalks, hay, straw, cardboard, and newspapers.

Brown materials are typically dry with little to no moisture content.

What are the green materials in a compost pile?

Green materials include biodegradable waste that is mostly nitrogen-rich materials. These will include freshly-cut grass clippings, vegetable scraps, food scraps, coffee grounds, annual weeds that haven’t set seeds, and goat, chicken, or horse manure. Any manure from animals that eat meat should not be used.

These green materials, generally, are wetter and have a high moisture content.

How long should my compost pile sit before using it?

This is a difficult question to answer. The quick answer is you should not use it right away. It needs to cool down and turn that rich dark color. It should also smell like earth and easily crumble in your hand.

Diagnosing Compost Process Issues

What do I do if the compost has a foul odor?

• The reason for the foul smell is there is not enough aeration or oxygen present in the pile. There may also not be enough water or your pile could be too small to be generating enough heat. The solution would be to turn your pile, then assess if it needs more moisture. If too dry add leaves or small wood chips to allow aeration.

My compost only stays damp and warm in the middle. How do I fix this?

• Your pile is too small. If you are limited on space you can always build it up higher. Four feet wide by four feet tall is a great place to start.

My pile does not smell foul and the moisture is good, but it’s not heating up.

• Your pile does not have an adequate amount of Nitrogen. Add some green materials such as fresh grass clippings or vegetable scraps.

FAQ’s about Compost Process

How many grass clippings can I add at a time?

• Don’t be tempted to add thick layers at a time. Doing so will compact the pile and not allow aeration. Sprinkle the clippings in a little at a time and balance with brown materials.

Can I add weeds to the compost pile?

• If your compost pile is heating up enough it is ok to add weed seeds. However, you may encounter problems if you add them to a pile that is not generating enough heat to destroy the seeds. You don’t want any compost you make to sprout weeds!

What items should I avoid adding to my compost pile?

• Meat and fish scraps, plants or wood treated with pesticides, dairy products, fats, oils, black walnut, diseased plants, weed seeds, charcoal ash, dog and cat waste. This article goes into more detail about why these items should not be used in a compost pile.

What green and brown materials are best to add to my compost pile?

• Always check your weight ratios when deciding what to place in your compost pile, taking into account what is already placed in your compost pile.
• Some great options for Nitrogen materials include coffee grounds, fresh grass clippings, fruit and vegetable scraps, blood meal, and fresh animal manure from cows, horses, and poultry.
• Carbon based materials that are great for your pile are woody prunings, dead leaves, broken eggshells, hay, straw, cardboard and paper. Be sure to only use clean paper, excluding colored and glossy paper.

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Citations

1. Cornell University. “Compost Chemistry.” Cornell Composting Science and Engineering. 1996.
2. University of Florida. “Can I Compost It?” IFAS Extension. 2021.
3. Rodale Institute. “Turning Compost By Temperature.” Dec 17, 2012.
4. University of California. “The Rapid Composting Method.” Vegetable Research and Information Center.
5. Cornell University. “Six Easy Steps to Setting Up a Worm Bin.” Cornell Waste Management Institute. 1996.
6. University of Illinois–Composting