Hot compost heaps
Hot composting is a faster method of composting that involves creating a large heap of organic waste and actively managing the temperature and moisture levels. This method requires a bit more effort than cold composting, but the end result is a nutrient-rich compost that can be used in your garden in just a few weeks.
How to Make a Hot Compost Heap
- Choose a sunny spot in your garden.
- Collect a large quantity of a mix of "green" (e.g., grass clippings, vegetable scraps) and "brown" (e.g., dried leaves, cardboard) organic materials.
- Create layers of "brown" and "green" materials, alternating between them.
- Lightly water the heap to keep it moist.
- Turn the heap using a garden fork or spade after a week to introduce oxygen and promote rapid decomposition.
- Monitor temperature with a thermometer probe (the heap should be around 50-70°C) and moisture, adding more as needed if it gets crumbly and dry.
- Repeat turning every 2-3 weeks.
- After 2-3 months, when the compost is dark, crumbly, and earthy-smelling, it's ready to use.
Remember to be patient and experiment to find the right balance for your compost heap.
What you can compost with this method
Hot composting can handle a wider variety of waste than cold composting, including fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, tea bags, eggshells, grass clippings, leaves, and small branches.
You can also add meat and dairy in small amounts, but be sure to balance them with plenty of carbon-rich material like shredded newspaper or dry leaves.
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