It will lose much of its value if materials are left to decompose too long. The more time compost is left to sit around, the more “colloidal” it becomes. In other words, it becomes more and more compact as the composting microbes continue to feed on the waste materials.
Compost should not be stored for years since it starts to degrade once the decomposing process has passed its peak. Finished compost should be used within about 3 to 6 months maximum. Storing compost correctly is essential to maintaining the mix's valuable nutrients and microbes.
Old compost can be used to make new compost if you add it back into your compost heap. The microbial activity in your compost heap, along with the mixing action of worms and other creatures living in your compost will reinvigorate your compost and before long you will be able to use it on your garden all over again.
Decomposition will be complete anywhere from two weeks to two years depending on the materials used, the size of the pile, and how often it is turned. Compost is ready when it has cooled, turned a rich brown color, and has decomposed into small soil-like particles.
The short answer is that composted organic matter does not go bad unless you store it improperly. It does, however, continue to break down, and that's completely normal. That's how compost feeds our plants! It's also the reason why our soils need to be continuously replenished with compost.
Answer: The rate of decomposition depends upon the composition of the compost pile, level of management, and other factors. A well-managed compost pile (one that is watered and turned regularly) containing a mixture of shredded plant material should be ready in two to four months.
Can I Just Put Compost On Top Of Soil? Compost can be added directly on top of the soil when introduced as a mulch layer for the plants. For a more immediate benefit, work the compost into the soil.
If you're growing a tree or shrub in a large container, you should replenish the compost every year or two. The ideal time to do this is between February and May. Doing so will improve the compost structure and provide a fresh supply of nutrients, which can be lost quickly in pots and containers.
If a compost pile is just left sitting, and not turned, it will take 6-12 months or longer to completely break down, depending of the climate and weather. The cooler it is, the longer it will take.
Having some mold in your compost is a natural and healthy thing. In fact, mold in your compost is proof that the system is working as it's supposed to. In addition to the bacteria that break your food down, mold (a type of fungus) also does this critical work.
You may be surprised to learn that your compost pile needs just as much water as your live plants. Dry compost doesn't work. There are several ways to ensure your compost is getting the adequate amount of water needed to do its job.
So a common question is: 'is it possible to re-use the soil / compost in pots'? The answer is most definitely YES. It will last for several seasons, at least, and perhaps even indefinitely.
If your compost bin is too dry it will stop decomposing as the bacteria and fungi responsible for the composting process won't be able to work effectively. Re-wet the heap by watering it - ideally with rainwater, but if you don't have any stored rainwater ordinary water will do.
In most situations, yes! Slimy compost is usually the result of anaerobic decomposition. This happens when there isn't enough oxygen present. The good news is, it can be fixed by adding more dry ingredients and turning the pile more frequently to aerate it.
After the pile reaches around 80-90 degrees Fahrenheit, you want to stop adding greens and limit the amount of browns so that the compost can cure. Keep turning the piles regularly to add oxygen.
If your pile is slow, the carbon: nitrogen ratio might be wrong. The microorganisms in compost need both nitrogen and carbon to work. If there is too much carbon, the process will slow down. To speed up the process try adding 'greens' – items that are high in nitrogen, such as grass clippings or manure.
Yes, planting in compost alone is possible under certain conditions. This method works better with low-spreading plants that prefer slightly acidic conditions. They should also have good heat tolerance and prefer well-draining soil. Anything that grows close to the ground, like squash, will thrive in pure compost.
You can also incorporate compost into the soil once or twice a year to provide organic nutrients. Before adding compost to compacted soils, gently cultivate the soil with a hand tool; this will prevent damage to shallow feeder roots while making nutrients more readily accessible to the trees or shrubs.
Frequency of Turning
As a rule of thumb, actively decomposing materials should be turned every three to four days. Materials with slowed microbial activity can be turned less often.
Pile composting can take between two months and two years, while container composting can take as little as two weeks. If you don't turn your compost regularly, it will take even longer. To speed up your compost, try shredding and chopping items before adding them to the pile or bin.
Generally compost is ready to be harvested when the finished product is a rich dark brown color, smells like earth, and crumbles in your hand. Some signs that it may not be ready include: Recognizable food content still visible. The pile is still warm.