The composting of kitchen and garden waste provides the hobby gardener with valuable compost for the garden. However, this requires patience. Quick composters help to shorten the waiting time.

In a nutshell

  • Quick composters speed up composting
  • Compost accelerators are easy to use
  • Should also help with piles of leaves

compost and composting

The term compost stands for:

  • the collection site (the compost heap or compost heap)
  • the material deposited in the collection point
  • the product produced (finished compost)

On the other hand, the term composting or rotting refers to that part of the nutrient cycle in which organic material is broken down by soil organisms. So composting stands for the process. Ready compost is usually used in the garden in the form of humus, as this improves the soil properties. Depending on the quality, mature compost can also replace the addition of other fertilizers.

compost as fertilizer

If the compost from home composting in the garden is to be used as fertilizer, the problem often arises that it is not necessarily ready at the desired time. This is because the microorganisms that decompose the waste do not work “to order”. It can take up to twelve months for the compost to be ready for use.

quick composter

Quick composters, also called compost accelerators, serve to promote composting. The compost is therefore ready more quickly and can be used effectively earlier. The time that can be saved with a compost booster depends on the application of the powder, the location of the compost heap, etc. In general, however, the waiting time is reduced by several weeks.

How a quick composter works

How a quick composter works is easy to explain: The components of the compost accelerator create a feel-good atmosphere for the microorganisms in the compost heap, which encourages them to do their "work". If the little helpers work more intensively, the compost is broken down more quickly and can be used earlier. For this cycle to work, the powder contains:

  • nitrogen (N)
  • Potassium (K)
  • Phosphorus (P)
  • lime
  • trace elements
  • bone meal
  • microorganisms
  • mushrooms

Notice: Although compost accelerators are sometimes counted among the NKP fertilizers, they are not suitable for fertilizing.

Use quick composter

In order for the compost accelerator to be effective, you should use it according to the manufacturer's instructions. In general, the procedure can be described as follows:

  • Scatter powder or granules in regular layers
  • Distance between layers: about 20 centimeters

If the compost heap is newly created, a three-layer process is recommended:

  • 1st layer (bottom layer), height 20 centimetres: garden and kitchen waste, cut leaves, trees, grass etc.
  • 2nd layer: Spread the granules evenly according to the manufacturer's instructions
  • 3rd layer: thin layer of garden soil

After that comes another layer of rotting material, then the compost accelerator, then the garden soil. The top layer should be the garden soil.

Tip: If the compost is already established, start with the three-layer method when turning the compost.

Get rid of piles of leaves

But compost accelerators can also help you get rid of those pesky piles of fall leaves. With this so-called surface composting, the fallen leaves come under bushes or on tree grates, for example. Then sprinkle the powder on the foliage and add a layer of soil over it to keep the wind from blowing the foliage away. By spring, the leaves should have turned into humus or mulch.

frequently asked Questions

Do I need to water the compost heap after scattering the granules?

Usually, you don't need to water the compost heap. Exceptions are very hot days.

Can I use compost worms and quick composter at the same time?

This combination is not recommended. Because the compost accelerator causes the temperature inside the compost heap to rise rapidly, the worms will migrate to the compost edge or die.

Is the animal meal it contains harmful to humans?

Since compost accelerators are subject to strict controls, they are considered harmless to health.

Category:

Garden maintenance