How To Get The Most Of Your Finished Compost
Once you’ve had an active compost pile for at least two to three months, you’ll be anxious to start reaping the benefits from it. You can start harvesting most active compost piles after just a few months, but keep in mind that some need six to twelve months to fully mature. How soon your compost pile is ready to start using will depend upon what you’ve put into it, how you’ve cared for it, and how active it has been over that time.
You can start harvesting your compost before the entire pile is finished though, and this is usually done by taking compost from the bottom of your heap. You’ll know when you have ready to harvest compost by the way it looks. Finished compost looks like very dark, rich, fertile soil or humus. It’s loose and has an earthy smell to it. There are no identifyable chunks of organic materials left in it. If there are a few, you can simply separate those out from the finished material, and toss the unfinished bits back into your pile.
If you’re using a commercial composting bin it may have a fine screen or mesh like material which helps allow finished compost to come through without any unfinished bits.
If your finished compost is a bit moist, spread it out in the sun for a short while to allow it to dry further before using.
You probably started composting because you knew at least some of the benefits you’d reap from the process, but we’ll cover those in more detail here.
First, compost is an excellent soil amendment. By mixing it in with regular dirt in your yard or garden, you’re improving the overall structure and that means your plants will be able to receive more air and water easier. Their roots will also be able to take hold better, and this prevents erosion as well as allows the plants to grow more healthy. The soil will also retain water better so that it gets to your plants instead of running off and taking your topsoil with it.
Besides these benefits of course, compost also provides your …
