Feed Your Garden With Compost Accelerators and Compost Accessories
Composting is an excellent way to turn food scraps into useful materials to support your garden and lawn. Compost accelerators, aerators, thermometers and other accessories can help you streamline the process and get the most out of your backyard compost bin or tumbler.
If you’re new to composting, check out our guide on the subject, Make Your Own Compost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does it take a compost accelerator to work?
A: A compost accelerator speeds up decomposition, and it can work within as few as three weeks. Compost accelerators use fungi and bacteria in liquid, powder or even biodegradable plastic form to break down the organic material of a compost pile at a faster rate than would occur naturally. The natural rate is within about two months in hot weather. Decomposition can take up to six months in cold weather.
Q: What does a compost thermometer do?
A: Compost thermometers measure the temperature of a compost pile. Because compost heats up as it breaks down, a compost thermometer can tell you the stages of decomposition your compost is in, giving you insight into when you should turn, add more material to and water the pile. Knowing the composting stage can help you speed up the composting process and avoid the unpleasant odors that can come with improperly balanced compost.
Q: What’s the ideal temperature for composting?
A: The ideal temperature for composting depends on the decomposition stage of your compost pile. At first, a compost pile will be in the mesophilic stage, which runs from 68 degrees to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the pile reaches 104 degrees, you can use a compost aerator, pitchfork or shovel to turn the pile and begin the thermophilic stage, when compost will reach 105 degrees to 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the temperature reaches 150 degrees, you’ll turn the compost again, after which the pile will reach the maturation stage and be ready for use as a soil amendment, mulch, fertilizer or tonic.
