Solutions for a Moisture-Laden Compost Heap
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In an informative article published on March 22, 2020, Greg Seaman provides valuable insights on restoring compost for spring planting. The article covers a variety of composters, including the Hungry Bin, EZ Compost Wizard Jr., Worm Factory 360, Ceramic Compost Keeper, Jora JK270, Green Cone Solar Waste Digester, Aerobin 200 Insulated, and Aeroplus 3-Stage Compost Bin.
The Hungry Bin, for instance, is a continuous flow worm composter that can be an effective solution for composting. However, over-wintered compost can become a soggy, dense mess, making it difficult for spring garden use.
To restore such compost, Seaman suggests several simple measures. Firstly, aerate or turn the compost to introduce oxygen and loosen density. This helps improve airflow and drainage, which are crucial for healthy soil.
Next, mix in coarse organic materials such as shredded leaves, straw, or aged wood chips. These materials add structure and help improve drainage. Avoid using pure compost alone as it can be too dense and retain excess moisture, which can suffocate roots and reduce microbial activity.
After aeration, spread a 2–3 cm layer of well-aged compost or mulch over the area and let rain or gentle irrigation help incorporate it into the soil without heavy tilling. This method promotes a healthy soil ecosystem without causing unnecessary disturbance.
Maintaining proper moisture levels is also essential. If compost is too wet or compacted in your pile, turning it weekly and ensuring the right moisture balance by adding dry "brown" materials can help restore quality before use.
Moreover, amending the compost with organic matter rich in partially broken-down material helps rebuild soil structure by improving aggregation and porosity while feeding the microbial ecosystem. Mix compost lightly into the top 5–10 cm of soil rather than deep tilling, which can disturb beneficial root zones.
Coconut Coir can also be a possible composting material, adding another dimension to the composting process.
The Green Cone Solar Waste Digester and the Aerobin 200 Insulated Composter are mentioned but no specific volume information is provided for these composters. The Aeroplus 3-Stage Compost Bin, on the other hand, has a volume of 21 cubic feet, while the EZ Compost Wizard Jr. and Jora JK270 have a volume of 7 cubic feet each, and the Worm Factory 360 Composter has a volume of 9.5 cubic feet.
European Nightcrawlers are mentioned as composting worms, highlighting the diverse range of organisms that play a role in the composting process.
In summary, the key steps for restoring compost for spring planting are:
- Aerate or turn the compost to introduce oxygen and loosen density.
- Mix in coarse organic materials (e.g., shredded leaves or straw) to improve drainage and structure.
- Apply as a thin layer and incorporate gently rather than deep tilling.
- Maintain proper moisture levels and allow microbes to recover for healthier soil suitable for spring planting.
A sustainable living lifestyle might emphasize home-and-garden practices, such as composting, to reduce waste and enrich soil for healthier plants. Restoring over-wintered compost for spring planting can be achieved through steps like aerating or turning the compost, mixing in coarse organic materials, and applying it gently to the soil, while maintaining the right moisture levels ensures a healthy soil ecosystem.
