Composting Made Simple: How to Boost Your Garden’s Health

If you’re already familiar with composting and want to take your skills to the next level, you’re in the right place. Advanced composting techniques can make your compost richer, help your plants grow better, and reduce waste even more. Here’s how to make the most out of your composting system without overcomplicating things.

1. Layer Your Compost Like a Lasagna for Faster Decomposition

Creating layers in your compost pile helps the materials break down faster and more evenly. Think of it like building a lasagna, with alternating layers of “greens” (nitrogen-rich items like veggie scraps and fresh grass clippings) and “browns” (carbon-rich materials like dried leaves, cardboard, or twigs). This layering method ensures that the compost has the right balance of moisture and air pockets for efficient decomposition.

How to Layer:

• Start with Aeration: Begin with a layer of coarse materials, such as sticks or wood chips, at the bottom of your compost pile to improve air circulation.
• Alternate Layers: Add a layer of greens followed by a layer of browns. The greens provide the nitrogen that microbes need to break down organic matter, while the browns add carbon to keep the pile balanced.
• Boost with Soil: Sprinkle a thin layer of garden soil or mature compost between layers to introduce beneficial microorganisms that help speed up the decomposition process.

2. Boost Your Compost with Vermicomposting for Richer Results

Vermicomposting uses worms to turn food scraps into nutrient-rich compost called vermicast. It’s perfect for those who want to create compost quickly and make the most of food scraps. Worms are particularly efficient at breaking down organic material and turning it into high-quality compost.

Tips for Vermicomposting Success:

• Create a Comfortable Habitat: Line your worm bin with moist, shredded newspaper or coconut fibre for bedding. This creates a comfortable home for your worms.
• Feed Strategically: Feed your worms small amounts of kitchen scraps, such as vegetable peelings, banana peels, and coffee grounds. Avoid citrus, onions, and spicy foods as they can harm the worms.
• Maintain Moisture: Keep the bedding damp, like a wrung-out sponge. If it becomes too dry, the worms will stop eating and reproducing.

3. Pre-Treat Your Scraps with Bokashi Composting

Bokashi composting is an advanced technique that pre-treats food waste through fermentation. This method allows you to compost items like dairy, meat, and cooked foods, which are typically not recommended for traditional composting. The fermented waste can then be added to your regular compost pile to decompose further.

Steps to Use Bokashi Composting:

• Set Up a Bokashi Bin: Add your food scraps to the bin and sprinkle a handful of Bokashi bran over the top. Press down the scraps to remove as much air as possible before sealing the bin.
• Ferment for Two Weeks: Leave the bin sealed for two weeks while the food scraps ferment. During this time, beneficial microbes break down the waste without producing odours.
• Integrate into Your Compost: After fermentation, bury the Bokashi-treated scraps in your outdoor compost pile or directly in your garden soil. This adds beneficial microorganisms that accelerate decomposition.

4. Speed Up Decomposition with Hot Composting

Hot composting is an efficient way to create compost quickly, usually within four to six weeks. By maintaining a high temperature (55-65°C), you can kill weed seeds and pathogens while speeding up the composting process.

How to Hot Compost:

• Build a Large Pile: Make sure your compost pile is at least 1m x 1m in size to maintain heat.
• Monitor the Temperature: Use a compost thermometer to check the temperature regularly. When the temperature starts to drop, turn the pile to add oxygen and bring it back up.
• Balance Moisture: Keep your compost pile as moist as a damp sponge. Add water if it’s too dry or more brown materials if it’s too wet.

5. Make Nutrient-Rich Compost Tea

Compost tea is a liquid fertiliser made from soaking compost in water to extract the nutrients. This tea can be used to water plants or sprayed on leaves to provide a quick boost of nutrients and beneficial microbes.

Steps to Make Compost Tea:

• Prepare the Compost: Place mature compost into a mesh bag or old pillowcase.
• Soak in Water: Submerge the bag in a bucket of water and let it steep for 24-48 hours, stirring occasionally to introduce oxygen.
• Apply to Your Garden: Strain the liquid and use it to water the base of your plants or as a spray for leaves. This can help strengthen plants and improve their resistance to pests and diseases.

6. Master the Carbon-to-Nitrogen Ratio

The right balance of carbon (browns) and nitrogen (greens) is essential for efficient composting. The ideal ratio is around 30:1. This balance provides the best environment for the microorganisms in your compost to thrive.

How to Balance Your Pile:

• Add More Browns: If your compost pile smells unpleasant or becomes soggy, add more brown materials like dried leaves, cardboard, or shredded newspaper to absorb moisture.
• Add More Greens: If your compost isn’t breaking down fast enough, add more green materials such as grass clippings, coffee grounds, or kitchen scraps to boost nitrogen levels.

7. Introduce Mycorrhizae for Better Soil Health

Mycorrhizal fungi are beneficial organisms that work together with plant roots to improve water and nutrient absorption. Adding these fungi to your compost pile or soil can improve the compost’s effectiveness once it’s applied to your garden.

How to Use Mycorrhizae:

• Sprinkle Inoculant: Add a mycorrhizal inoculant to your compost pile as you add new layers. This will help colonise the compost with beneficial fungi.
• Mix into the Soil: When spreading your finished compost in your garden, make sure the mycorrhizal fungi are mixed well with the soil to maximise their contact with plant roots.

8. Keep Up Regular Maintenance for Ongoing Success

Advanced composting requires regular maintenance to keep things running smoothly. Turn your compost pile every week or so to maintain airflow and even decomposition. Check moisture levels frequently and adjust as needed.

Seasonal Tips:

• Summer: Monitor your compost for dryness, as high temperatures can cause it to dry out quickly. Water it as needed to keep it damp.
• Winter: Insulate your compost pile with straw or tarps to keep it warm and active during cold weather.

Composting is an ongoing learning experience, and by adding these advanced techniques to your routine, you can create high-quality compost that benefits your garden year-round. Whether you’re layering your compost, using worms, or brewing compost tea, these steps will help you maximise the potential of your composting system.