What does unfinished compost look like?

Unfinished compost has small but identifiable bits of food scraps, peels, avocado pips, eggshells and leaves etc. The unfinished compost pile may still be warm, which means the organic material is still breaking down. Finished compost will be rich, dark, crumbly and smell and look like fresh dark earth.

Is rotting the same as composting?

Composting is controlled aerobic decomposition. The process generates heat, which is enough to limit the decomposition so that, rather than simply rot, other organisms contribute to the overall process, e.g. various insects, worms and so on. Rotting is an uncontrolled process.

How do you know compost is working?

You will know when your compost is working when there’s no bad smell and there are so many worms in it that you can almost hear them. Compost that’s working well, will shrink in the compost bin, leaving plenty of room for more organic waste.

How long does it take for compost to become usable?

Compost can be made in as little as six to eight weeks, or, more usually, it can take a year or more. In general, the more effort you put in, the quicker you will get compost. When the ingredients you have put in your container have turned into a dark brown, earthy smelling material, the composting process is complete.

What does compost look like when it’s ready?

Compost is ready or finished when it looks, feels and smells like rich, dark earth rather than rotting vegetables. In other words, it should be dark brown, crumbly and smell like earth.

What happens if you use compost before its ready?

Before you raid your compost bin, remember that using compost before it’s ready can attract pests and damage garden plants. It can also use up nutrients in your soil, making these same nutrients unavailable to your garden plants.

What should homemade compost look like?

Finished compost looks dark and crumbly and has an earthy smell. The volume of the pile is reduced by about half, and the organic items added to the compost pile are no longer visible. If the hot composting method is used, the pile should not be producing much heat any longer.

How often should compost be turned?

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.

Can you turn compost too much?

Turning the Pile. Hot piles require aeration because the micro-organisms use up the oxygen in their close quarters fairly quickly. While turning remains the time-honored method of aerating a compost pile, compost aerators reduce or even eliminate the need for that laborious undertaking.

Why is my compost not breaking down?

A compost pile that is too dry will fail to decompose. Since there is no bacterial activity, there will be no heat. Make sure your pile has adequate moisture. Your compost pile may also simply lack the right bacteria needed to start the compost pile decomposing and heating up.