Compost pile time question

Question

I have a compost pile, in a bin, how long does it take for it to fully decompose?? the part of the bin with compost hass been in the process for about 3 weeks!!

Answer 1

A lot depends on what you're putting in the compost. Some things take longer than others to decompose. Turn the material on a regular basis, keep it moist, chop or break up larger items and you should have decent compost in about 3 months time.

Answer 2

Really good compost management should be done in 2 piles or bins if you can so you always have one pile ready to use and 1 pile "cooking". The best way is to build a medium size pile or bin you can manage, add lots of organic matter, and turn it often. Once it starts to beakdown really good start you a new bin. It takes a medium size bin about 6-8 months to be fully composted however you can generally scoop some small amounts of compost off the bottom of the pile a little sooner than that. If you keep 2 or more bins going then after the first year you can have usable compost year round!

GH

Answer 3

compost needs heat to activate the process ,fresh manure is essential.this will provide both the heat and the microbial bio mass that turns the waste into soil conditioner ,compost.bins were a gimmick im afraid. layer your garden waste (shreded if possible)and your fresh as possible manure,also sprinkle garden lime every few layers.lastly there are two herbs which speed up the process ,these are yarrow and comfrey, incorparate these as much as u can. best of luck.