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While hot composting requires a three to four foot cube to function, a cold compost pile can be as large or small as you like, as long as it's not too big to stir the mixture when needed.
- What is the difference between hot and cold composting?
- Is Hot composting better?
- Can you use warm compost?
- What are the benefits of hot composting?
- Should compost bins be in the sun or shade?
- How often should I turn a compost pile?
- How long does a compost pile stay hot?
- How do I cool down my compost pile?
- What will happen if you left the compost too long?
- How long does it take for compost to turn to soil?
- How can I make compost at home fast?
What is the difference between hot and cold composting?
When spent plants, weeds and kitchen wastes end up together in a compost pile, they will eventually decompose into compost. Cold compost is left alone to do its thing, which requires no labor but does not give first-rate results.
Is Hot composting better?
Hot composting produces greater volume than cold composting, hot compost contains far fewer weed seeds, and it is much richer in substances that promote plant growth. Besides being good for your garden, hot composting is good for you, too.
Can you use warm compost?
Maintaining a Hot Compost Pile
If it's uncomfortably hot, it's at the right temperature. At 130 to 140 degrees, microbes are breaking down organic matter and reproducing at high rates. This temperature is also hot enough to kill most weed seeds and harmful bacteria in the pile.
What are the benefits of hot composting?
Hot composting kills weed seeds faster.
It's not just weed seeds but seeds from melons and tomatoes plus weeds like couch grass and dandelion will also survive and grow. Hot composting kills pathogens and unwelcome bacteria. Which and how many is a function of both time and temperature.
Should compost bins be in the sun or shade?
You can put your compost pile in the sun or in the shade, but putting it in the sun will hasten the composting process. Sun helps increase the temperature, so the bacteria and fungi work faster. This also means that your pile will dry out faster, especially in warm southern climates.
How often should I turn a 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.
How long does a compost pile stay hot?
If the pile is built correctly, it will heat up within 24 to 36 hours to the ideal temperature of 141°F to 155°F (weed seeds and disease pathogens die at these temperatures) and will maintain its temperature for several days to a week or longer. Use a compost thermometer to monitor the temperature.
How do I cool down my compost pile?
Solution: Turn pile frequently, adding water and browns to cool it down. Do not apply compost to your plants until cool.
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.
How long does it take for compost to turn to soil?
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.
How can I make compost at home fast?
Shredded sticks and other dried material like wood chips and corn stalks will help your compost develop quickly by aiding aeration but may not decompose completely themselves. Don't wait for them to finish. Use a screen to separate compost that's crumbly and ready for the garden from these other materials.
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