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If you want to speed up your compost heap, turn it with
a fork on a regular basis - once a week for the best result. Mixing the
compost allows oxygen into the centre of the pile, where it encourages
the growth of bacteria and micro-organisms. Fresh manure will
activate the pile, causing it to decompose more quickly.
The size of the ingredients has a lot to do with the
speed of decomposition. If you don't have a shredder for your leaves and
small twigs, an excellent alternative is to run the lawnmower over them
before you add them to the heap.
The table below shows common problems with compost and
how to cure them.
Bad smell
Compaction
Turn
the heap to introduce more oxygen. Add coarser material such
as straw or woody shrub cuttings.
Over-watering
Add
dry leaves or cut newspaper to absorb the excess water, then
turn the heap.
Pile
not heating up
Lack
of nitrogen
Add
a nitrogen source such as fresh manure, grass clippings or
bone meal, then turn the heap.
Lack
of oxygen
Turn
the heap.
Too
dry
When
watering, be sure the water gets to the centre of the heap.
Try poking deep holes in the pile before watering.
Compost
is finished
Finished
compost smells earthy rather than rotten or moldy and is dark
brown and crumbly.
Compost
is damp and only the centre is warm
Heap
is too small
Add
more compost material.
END OF ARTICLE
How To Speed Up Your Compost Heap
COMPOST PROBLEMS - REASONS AND CURES