STEP 3

Once you’ve created your compost pile, mix the materials together using a shovel, hoe or other similar gardening tool. On the top of the compost pile create a small catch basin to allow rainwater to accumulate.

Water combined with heat will accelerate the decomposition process.

In most climates it usually takes a minimum of 90 to 120 days for the breakdown of natural materials to occur.

We recommend you mix the compost again after 90 days. Turn the outside, exposed parts of the heap towards the middle of the pile. This will expose the compost to oxygen which essential to break it down. Doing this will also accelerate the decomposition process.

In time, you’ll see your little mountain of compost begin to breakdown and shrink in size.

We recommend you start the composting process in mid spring or late fall and then start using the new compost within 4 to 6 months.

STEP 4

After just 4 to 6 months you’ll have a huge supply of dark, earth scented, nutrient rich compost you can use in your garden or on the farm.

The compost can be mixed with sand to be used as a base soil or you can use it as topsoil. Simply apply the compost 1 to 3 inches thick in your garden or in pots.

With some water from your garden hose or a little rainfall, expect the compost to compress at least 33%. This is normal and over a period of time, Mother Nature will break the compost down as it works its way into the soil.

Expect your plants to respond to your gardening efforts. With nutrient rich elements added to the soil, your plants may very well respond with increased growth, vigor and resistance to disease.

In time, soils rich in nutrients derived from compost will usually yield increased quantities of fruits and vegetables.

Here’s a list of benefits you’ll receive when mixing compost into your soil:

• Mixing compost into other soils allows for better root penetration and improved plant growth.

• Mixing compost into sandy soil serves to improve the soil’s ability to retain nutrients and support percolation of water in virtually any environment.

• Mixing compost into soil allows plants to receive more oxygen, thus creating a nutrient rich environment for the roots, earthworms and underground microorganisms to thrive in.

• Mixing compost into soil adds organic matter, also known as humus, which improves the way water interacts with the soil and how plant’s extract nutrients for growth.

• Mixing compost into any soil will reduce erosion by improving soil structure and drainage.

• Mixing compost into soil recycles garden wastes to benefit both plants and the environment in which they’re grown.

• Mixing compost into soil will prevent you from spending additional money on manure, synthetic fertilizers and optimize pH balance of the soil.

To simplify the composting process, & find out more about our complete line of composting products you can use to facilitate the process, please visit our Yelm Worm Store.

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