How To Harvest Compost

Are you tired of throwing away your kitchen scraps and yard waste? Do you want to create rich, fertile soil for your plants to thrive? Look no further than composting! Composting is an eco-friendly way to dispose of organic material - it's easy to do and will save you money in the long run. If you're new to composting, don't fret. In this article, we'll teach you how to harvest compost by first understanding the composting process.

The Composting Process

The composting process is a natural decomposition of organic matter. With the right conditions, the microorganisms that live in your compost pile or bin will break down your kitchen scraps, yard waste, and other organic matter into nutrient-rich compost. The key is to provide the right mix of organic material, moisture, and oxygen.

The Four Ingredients

There are four key ingredients to healthy compost:

1. Brown Materials: Brown materials include leaves, sticks, and other dry yard waste. These materials provide carbon.
2. Green Materials: Green materials include vegetable scraps, fruit waste, and grass clippings. These materials provide nitrogen.
3. Water: Compost needs to be kept moist, but not too wet. If your compost is too dry, it will take longer to break down. If it's too wet, it may begin to smell and attract insects.
4. Air: Oxygen is essential for compost to break down. Make sure your pile or bin has plenty of air pockets to allow the microorganisms to do their work.

By combining these four ingredients, you can create a healthy, thriving compost pile. But how do you know when your compost is ready to use?

Identifying when Compost is Ready for Harvest

Harvesting compost at the right time is essential to maximize its benefits and create the best soil for your garden. An ideal compost should have a dark, crumbly, and earthy texture, and be free of unpleasant odors, pathogens, and weed seeds. Here are some ways you can identify when your compost is ready to use:

1. Check the temperature: Compost goes through a natural heating process as microorganisms decompose the organic matter. When the compost reaches a temperature between 130°F to 160°F, it means that the microorganisms are working actively. After they have consumed most of the materials, the temperature will drop. This is a good indication that the compost is ready for use.
2. Observe the color and texture: Finished compost usually has a dark brown or black color, indicating that all the ingredients have broken down. The texture should be crumbly and loose, making it easy to work with. If the compost is still chunky and hasn't fully decomposed, it is not ready for harvesting.
3. Smell the compost: Finished compost should have a pleasant, earthy smell. If it has a sour, rancid, or putrid odor, it may indicate that it lacks oxygen or has undesirable materials. If the odor is not pleasing, turn the compost and give it more time to decompose further.
4. Check for recognizable materials: If you can still see recognizable bits of food, straw, or leaves in your compost, it is not yet ready for use. These materials need more time to break down and contribute to the nutrient-rich soil you're trying to create.
5. Perform a germination test: Before using your compost, you can perform a germination test to ensure that it is free from pathogens and weed seeds. Take a small sample of compost and moisten it, then plant a few seeds inside and wait for them to sprout. If the seeds germinate and grow healthy plants, the compost is safe to use. If not, it may contain pathogens or weed seeds that need to be destroyed, or the compost may not have reached the ideal temperature to kill them.

By using these simple tests, you can be confident that your compost is ready for use and will provide your plants with the nutrients they need to thrive.

Tools and Equipment Needed for Harvesting Compost

Harvesting compost may seem like a simple task, but using the right tools can make the process more efficient and effective. Here are some essential tools and equipment that you will need for harvesting compost:

1. Gloves: The first thing you'll want to consider is protecting your hands. Gloves will keep your hands clean and prevent any injuries, scratches, or punctures from handling sticks, sharp objects or thorny plant matter.
2. Garden Fork: This tool is essential for turning, loosening, and breaking up any larger chunks of compost material. A garden fork with four tines is ideal as it covers more area and does the job quickly.
3. Shovel: A shovel will be helpful for scooping the compost and transferring it to a container. The type of shovel you use will depend on the amount of compost you intend to harvest, the type of compost and the weight of it.
4. Sifter: A sifter or screen can help you remove any large pieces of material from the compost. A compost sifter can be made using a mesh screen or hardware cloth and a wooden frame or can be purchased at an affordable price.
5. Containers: Once you've harvested your compost, you'll need a container to store it. The size of the container you choose should depend on the amount of compost. A large bin with a cover provides an ample amount of storage and prevents moisture and animals from getting in.

Having the necessary tools and equipment ready before you begin harvesting compost will save you a lot of time and effort. With the right tools, you can harvest your compost efficiently, safely, and with minimum mess.

Techniques for harvesting compost

Once your compost is ready, you need to harvest it from the bin. There are different techniques for harvesting compost, depending on the type of compost bin or pile you have and your personal preferences. Here are some commonly used techniques for harvesting compost:

1. Shovel and sifter method:

   This is a common method for harvesting compost from a pile or bin. Use a shovel to remove the top layer of unfinished compost and set it aside. Then, use a garden fork or pitchfork to move the bottom layer of finished compost to a sifter or screen. The sifter will help you separate the finished compost from the larger chunks of organic matter that are not yet decomposed. You can then add the unfinished compost back into the bin and use the finished compost in your garden.

2. Bottom door method:

   This method is suitable for compost bins or tumblers that have a door at the bottom. Open the door and let the finished compost fall into a wheelbarrow or a bucket. Keep the unfinished compost in the bin and add new layers of organic matter to it. Repeat the process whenever the finished compost collects in the lower part of the bin.

3. Screen and sweep method:

   This method requires a compost screen and a broom. Move the unfinished compost to one side of the bin and use a screen to sift the finished compost to the other side. Sweep the finished compost off the screen and transfer it to a container. Add the unfinished compost back to the bin and mix in fresh organic matter.

4. Suction method:

   This method is suitable for large-scale composting operations. Use a vacuum truck or a suction-excavator to suction the finished compost from the bin or pile. The machine can transport the compost to a storage site or directly to the fields for application.

Regardless of the method you choose, make sure to wear gloves and a dust mask when harvesting compost. It can be dusty and may contain harmful bacteria or fungi that can cause infections or allergic reactions. Use the finished compost in your garden within a few months to ensure its maximum benefit for your plants.

Tips for using harvested compost in your garden

Harvesting your compost is only half of the process; you must use it properly as well. Here are a few tips to help you do just that:

1. Apply compost to your garden in the fall: Applying compost to your garden beds in the fall gives it plenty of time to break down and integrate with the soil before planting season the next year. Be sure to apply a layer of compost over the bed and lightly work it into the soil.

2. Use compost as a mulch: Compost can be used as a mulch around plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and add nutrients to the soil over time. Spread a layer of compost around your plants about 2-3 inches thick for best results.

3. Add compost to potting mixes: Compost can also be added to potting mixes to help improve soil structure and water-holding capacity. Mix it with soil and other amendments in a ratio of 1:1 for best results.

4. Avoid using fresh compost on seedlings: Fresh compost can be too strong for young plants and seedlings. Instead, use compost that has been aged for at least six months to a year before planting seedlings.

5. Don't overdo it: While compost is a great source of nutrients, it's important not to overdo it. Applying too much compost can lead to excessive vegetative growth and make it difficult for plants to produce fruit or flowers. Stick to applying a thin layer of compost to your plants once or twice a year.

By following these tips, you can make the most out of the compost you've harvested and improve your garden's soil health and fertility.

Storing and Maintaining Harvested Compost for Future Use

Now that you have successfully harvested your compost, it is time to think about storing and maintaining it for future use. In this article, we will discuss some helpful tips on how to properly store and maintain your harvested compost.

1. Store in a dry, aerated container

The first and most important step in storing your harvested compost is to keep it in a dry, aerated container. You can use a large plastic bin or a compost tumbler to store your compost. Make sure that the container has a lid to keep out any moisture or animals and that it is well-ventilated to allow for proper airflow.

2. Keep out of direct sunlight

When choosing a location to store your compost, make sure to keep it out of direct sunlight. Sunlight can cause your compost to dry out and lose valuable nutrients. Choose a shaded location in your backyard, garage, or shed to store your compost.

3. Check moisture levels

It is important to check the moisture levels of your compost regularly. If your compost is too dry, add some water to it. If it is too wet, add some dry leaves or shredded paper to absorb the excess moisture. Proper moisture levels will help maintain the nutrient levels of your compost.

4. Turn your compost regularly

Turning your compost regularly will help maintain proper airflow and prevent any unpleasant odors from forming. Use a pitchfork or shovel to mix your compost thoroughly every few weeks.

5. Use within a year

While compost can last for several years if stored properly, it is recommended to use it within a year of harvesting. This will ensure that the nutrients are still intact and your soil will benefit from them.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your harvested compost stays nutrient-rich and ready to use. Happy gardening!