CorseMachin | Turning Your Compost Heap - How To Aerate A Compost Pile

Compaction– This is the most obvious way that turning can aerate a compost pile. When the particles in your compost get too close to each other, there is no room for air. Turning compost will fluff your compost heap and create pockets where oxygen can get inside the pile and supply the microbes.

How do you aerate a large compost pile?
How do you put air in a compost pile?
What happens if you don't Aerate your compost?
Should a compost bin be in sun or shade?
Can I keep adding to my compost pile?
How often should you turn your compost pile?
Should I cover my compost with a tarp?
Can you use shredded paper in compost?
Do grass clippings make good compost?
What will happen if you left the compost too long?
Is it okay to have maggots in compost?

How do you aerate a large compost pile?

It's best if you can have the pile aerate itself and then just manually aerate it from time to time. You can do this by placing large, bulky items in the bottom like thick branches or rocks. They won't compost completely but they allow air to come in the bottom through the sides and rise up through the pile.

How do you put air in a compost pile?

The traditional way to get air into the center of a compost pile is by turning the pile, manually flipping the compost like a pineapple upside-down cake. Shaking things up like this also helps speed up the composting process.

What happens if you don't Aerate your compost?

In aerobic composting, oxygen is needed for decomposition. Without sufficient oxygen to fuel the composting organisms, the process slows. ... Decomposition won't screech to a complete halt, but it will definitely slacken.

Should a compost bin be in sun or shade?

As for a regular compost bin, direct sunlight does not cause the compost pile to heat up. The microbes working busily inside the compost are why the pile heats up. With this in mind, keeping your compost bin in the shade will decrease water evaporation.

Can I keep adding to my compost pile?

ANSWER: Yes, using the cold, or passive composting method, also known as the add-as-you-go method, you can continue to add kitchen waste to your compost pile gradually over time.

How often should you turn your compost pile?

By turning more frequently (about every 2-4 weeks), you will produce compost more quickly. Waiting at least two weeks allows the center of the pile to heat up and promotes maximum bacterial activity. The average composter turns the pile every 4-5 weeks.

Should I cover my compost with a tarp?

In most cases, a compost pile does not need a cover. ... A cover can limit airflow and water, interfering with the composting process. You should definitely cover finished compost. Otherwise, if it's exposed to the elements, the compost will break down further and lose nutrients as they leach into the surrounding soil.

Can you use shredded paper in compost?

Most of the time, though, shredded paper is one of the standby materials that go into compost, and it counts as a “brown” Ingredient, or one that provides carbon for your compost. All weights of paper, from newsprint to cardboard, will work and are permissible as an ingredient in composting.

Do grass clippings make good compost?

Composting clippings

Grass clippings are excellent additions to a compost pile because of their high nitrogen content. Grass clippings should not be the only compost material. As with mulches, a thick layer of grass clippings in a compost pile will lead to bad odors from anaerobic decomposition.

What will happen if you left the compost too long?

If you leave compost in the pile, in a bag or bin too long, it can still be good to use for years as long as you control moisture levels, cover it and store it in a dry place. But gradually it will break down, nutrients will leach and compost can start to rot as well as it can get contaminated with fungus.

Is it okay to have maggots in compost?

Answer ONE! Maggots are not going to hurt your compost, but they may be a sign that your balance of green materials/brown materials is off. ... If it is too wet or has too much green material (food waste, grass, fresh leaves) in relation to brown, it can become slimy and rotten smelling and attract lots of maggots.