The challenge after making compost is how to store it. This is because gardeners may need to know the proper ways. It is essential to understand why storing is good. It is because the compost is a living thing. It requires regular aeration.
Proper storing of compost can increase its value to the soil. There are several ways that this can be achieved.
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The standard method of storing compost is using compost bins. But other people prefer piling the compost.
How To Store Ready Compost
Planning is the secret to good farming. That is why gardeners should be steps ahead while making compost. Planning ensures that compost is always available in all seasons. It also reduces wastage on the farm.
The ready compost should be kept in a cool place. The goal should be to ensure that it does not dry up. It should also be ensured that the compost does not lose its nutritional value. The storing should also reduce further decomposition.
Availability of space is one factor that determines how you store your compost. Gardeners with a bigger space have the advantage of storage. Those with limited space can turn to using compost bins. Some recommended ways to store the ready compost include:
- Store compost outside in a pile
- Use fabric bags to keep the compost
- Store the compost in plastic bags
Store compost outside in a pile if you have enough space for it. This method is perfect for large compost or leaf mold piles. It is also considered the best storage for gardeners who consistently make compost. The ease of piling makes it the best way for many gardeners.
The piles-up compost also serves as a habitat for worms. These are the essential worms that contribute to aeration. Compositing is also easy, given the exposure to natural forces. The only requirement is to prevent extra moisture from getting into the compost.
Some gardeners prefer fabric shopping bags. They are excellent and easy-to-find containers. But the fabric bags can collect moisture from the ground. Storing them on a non-wood surface is recommended. Placing a plastic bag beneath the fabric bag is common among gardeners.
Other farmers use plastic bags to store ready compost. The primary reason for preferring this method is space. The technique can store more compost in a small area. It is suitable for gardeners who have small rooms. Fastening the bags is essential to avoid spillage if they fall.
How To Store Compost during Winter
Winter is one of the trickiest seasons to store compost. This is because ready compost only needs a little wetness. This is when a gardener must find the proper storage.
Finding a room for storage may take work. A primary recommendation is to store the compost in bags or containers.
There are a few steps that you can consider when storing compost during winter.
- Finding a good location
- Placing the compost in containers
- Regularly checking the store compost
- Keep the compost away from pets and children
It is advisable to find a dry place for storing compost. This is not very easy to find during winter. The location should also have a relatively mild temperature.
The idea is to reduce the decomposition rate. Winter may take longer at times. It means that storing the compost needs extra care.
Using containers and bags to store the compost is recommended during winter. They shield the compost from more water. The containers should then be placed above the ground. Having a shelf to place these containers is advisable.
It is essential to check the compost regularly. This is because the winter may take a long. The compost can continue decomposition and rot. Regular turning also allows for even decomposition.
Pets and children spend more time indoors during winter. It is advisable to find an isolated location for the compost. Pets and children should not have easy access to the location.
The compost is not harmful. But it can be spilled and spoiled. This means having to handle the big mess.
How Long Does Compost Last
There is no definite time that ready compost can be stored. The time of storage is determined by the need to use it. Gardeners are advised to reduce the time of storage. The compost loses its nutritional value when stored for a long time.
Experts recommend going up to four months of storage. But the compost is still usable after this period. The decomposition period continues during storage. It is why there is a need to find a way of reducing the decomposition rate.
The time of storage depends on the way the compost was stored. Experts say that bagged compost stays longer. The decomposition rate is low when the compost is in bags.
Bagged compost can take a year and still be usable for the garden. But it should be protected from microbial activity.
Piled-up compost cannot stay for longer. It is affected by natural forces, including the rains, the sun, and the wind.
The piled-up compost should be used as soon as it is ready. It should be considered as the first to use during a growing season. The bagged compost can be kept for use in a later season.
What do I do with Extra Compost
Sometimes gardeners can find themselves having extra compost. This is after they have used the compost in their garden. This compost should not be thrown away. It is still of great value in the future.
The first step in handling extra compost is finding storage. The compost can be bagged again for later reuse. But it is good to know that the compost will continue losing value. That is why finding how best to use it in the garden still is recommended.
- Use the compost as mulch to retain moisture
- Use the compost in feeding potted plants
- Use the compost in crop beds
- Distribute it around fruit trees.
The fact is that extra compost is usable later. It may be needed for the next season. The planting season uses a lot of compost. But top dressing can use the well-stored compost that remains after planting.
Many plants, including trees, thrive well when extra compost is used as mulch on the ground. The soil can retain moisture and attract valuable insects for proper soil aeration.
Does compost go bad?
It is not easy to identify whether the compost has gone bad. This is because the compost is a decayed matter. The decay happens more depending on the storage time and the conditions. But there are some factors to consider while making this decision.
Compost continues to lose nutritional value. This means it is not of great nutritional value anymore. This factor can be used to determine whether the compost is bad. The recommended time to consider this is after four months.
Some noticeable signs of compost stored for an extended period include:
- A shrinking pile of the compost
- Irritating decay smells from the compost
- Pests’ invasion, such as the snails
The compost pile starts shrinking days after storage. This is because the compost continues to break down during storage. But this is not a sign of bad compost.
The compost can still be usable in the gardens. What it means is that you need to use it quickly before it continues to lose nutrients.
Compost will always smell because of the decay process. But you should be warned of the irritating smell from the compost. There are extreme smells that can come from overstayed compost.
This is an indication that the compost is off-balance. The presence of pests such as snails in the compost is a warning sign for overstayed compost.
Overstayed compost may not necessarily be bad. It can still be put to use if improvements are made. It is recommended to add brown material to the compost. This may include dry leaves. They mix them with compost.
The idea is to add more nutrients to the compost. It also aerates the compost. It is a good way of adding nutrient value to the overstored compost.
Final thought on storing compost
Overall, compost can be made and used immediately. But gardeners can also be faced with remaining composted. The good thing is that compost can be stored. It does not have a defined shelf-life.
Proper storage is the determinant factor. Using bags and bins has been recommended. It allows for minimized decomposition. It also prevents a lot of mess. That comes with storing compost.