In the spring, a lot of plant material is created by scarifying the lawn and final pruning. The compost heap often almost overflows. If you turn the compost over regularly, the volume will decrease, you will gain space for new garden waste and everything will rot more quickly into organic fertilizer.
How do I convert compost correctly?
To implement compost correctly, remove mature compost, carefully shift the plant material, use a compost sieve and add compost accelerator if necessary. This promotes rotting and microbiotic life in the rot.
Why does compost have to be turned?
If the rotting process stops, for example because the microbiotic life in the rotting area came to a standstill due to frost, humus is no longer produced. However, the reasons for stopping composting are not only to be found in the weather conditions.
Causes can also be:
- Too high or low moisture content of the material,
- Lack of oxygen,
- Infestation with fungi.
Turning the compost can eliminate these disturbances and the plant material will begin to decompose again.
Removing compost: This is how it works
The best time for this work is a dry spring day. Have the following tools ready:
- Digging fork,
- Shovel,
- free compost rent,
- Compost sieve.
Procedure:
- Remove the mature compost and put it through a compost sieve. You can easily build this yourself with a frame that you cover with rabbit wire.
- Work your way through the compost heap from top to bottom and place the compost on the sieve.
- The finished natural fertilizer falls through the holes and can be set aside. Plant material that has not yet been composted is available for free rent.
- Pick out stones and branches while moving. You can shred the latter and put it back into the compost.
- Stratify the rot in a targeted manner. Coarse material goes down, followed by the half-rotted plants from the old compost. Sprinkle some compost accelerator or fully mature natural fertilizer over it. A little rock dust prevents fungal infestation.
- Take care of the compost and give it a few watering cans of water every now and then when it is dry. This accelerates rotting and fine-crumb, pleasantly scented fertilizer is formed by autumn.
Tip
Compost usually contains a lot of weed seeds that were not destroyed by the temperatures generated during rotting. Therefore, work the natural fertilizer thoroughly into the soil. This prevents the seeds from germinating again immediately.