Page 23 - ALG Issue 1 2025

COMPOSTING
and lead to slower decomposition. Many books recommend about an inch to an inch and a half in length but, with thin stemmed materials, I leave them at about six inches.
The layers will be mixed when the contents are turned.An alternative method often used on larger estates is to mix the greens and browns together in advance and then shred the mixed load using a shredder. Each layer should be watered as it is added to the bin.
Aeration
The purpose of turning the bin contents is to provide oxygen to the composting microbes. Usually, three or four bins are used in a row with material being passed along the row as it is turned and matures. Open fronted bins make access easier for turning.
Two to four days after the contents have been added to the bin, they will have reached a temperature of 40-60C, and the material should be aerated and mixed by turning.The best mixing technique is to transfer the material to an adjoining bin taking the material at the sides of the bin to become the core of the new bin.The
temperature will drop on mixing but will start to rise again.The moisture content can be checked when the contents are turned (see below).
The temperature should be monitored, and the bin turned again every two or three days or when the temperature starts to fall until turning does not result in any increase.The contents should then be left to mature.
Moisture
Each layer of material should be watered when added to the bin and at intervals during the composting. A moisture content of 45% to 60% moisture is ideal.This is easily checked by squeezing a handful of the compost. It forms a ball if the moisture level is right; if it falls apart it is too dry and if water runs up your arm it is too wet.
Finished Compost
The compost is finished when it ceases to warm up when turned. At this stage it should be dark brown in colour with an earthy smell. It can be used as a mulch or left to mature for use as the basis of a homemade seed or potting compost.
More details on composting can be found in a Gardeners Guide to Composting Techniques (Crowood Press).
Rod Weston, Master Composter
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Allotment and Leisure Gardener | Issue 1 2025 | 23