A good composting
The ingredients needed for a good breakdown of your compost are the following:
- heat, which allows a good development of bacteriae
- humidity. If the compost heap dries out in hot weather, add water
- air, which is essential for the bacteriae and fungii needed for decomposition. Turn your compost over every month. By doing so you will renourrish the bacteriae by bringing the incompletely decomposed organic material on the outside of the heap into the heart of the compost
- insects like dungworms (they can be identified by their prominent rings), which play a big part in the decomposition process. Hold onto them!
- a lid or an opaque cover will increase the heat and maintain the humidity. This will also incite the worms to rise to the top of the heap.
The decomposition process gives off between 50°C and 70°C of heat. This heat destroys most viruses as well as the seeds of weeds.
You can buy compost decomposition activators or put a layer of nettles (without seeds) on top or use a nettle slurry.
Your compost will be ready for your plants after about six months of decomposition. Don't use all of it. Leave some good compost and its worms – these will repopulate the compost with good bacteriae. If you use compost which isn't completely decomposed, mix it with some soil. If you don't, some of your plants may die.
Some local government offices sell composters at a reduced price. Call them for information on the subject.