Fast Compost Method

The fast compost method is a technique used by most biodynamic farmers. This method uses a pit about one yard deep and wide and the length varies on how much compost you need and the space you have to make compost in. the pit is filled with thin layers of leaves, manure, and straw or grass clippings. Between each layer, you add water. You can also add soil between each layer. Turn the pile regularly to keep it aerated and your compost will be ready in six to eight weeks. The better you aerate your mix, the hotter it will be, thus killing off weed seeds and aiding in the decomposition process.

Slow Compost Method

In the slow compost method, you use brown organic matter such as saw dust or fall leaves as your base and main ingredient. You use the same pit dimensions as the fast method. Fill half your pit (or composting bin, container, or whatever you are using to create compost) with you brown organic matter then add kitchen waist and vegetable peelings to it on a daily basis. You can also mix in dirt occasionally to help with the breakdown process. Turn your pit regularly, just as with the fast method to keep it aerated. The breakdown of the kitchen waste and vegetable peelings will happen much more slowly than with manure or grass clippings, which is why this method is called the slow method. Rather than several weeks for you compost to be ready, it will take six months to a year for the slow method to result in useable compost.

Worm Compost Method

The worm compost method is very much like the slow compost method except that you introduce worms to your composting bin to help speed the breakdown of your organic materials. With this method, it is important to ensure that your bin is always moist, but not so water logged that it fills the pores built by the worms and disturbs their colony. You can create your compost in a bin that has a drain you can open when excess water is used if this is a concern. Either earth worms or red worms are recommended for this method of producing compost as they are the most efficient at converting organic matter into manure. Compost made by this method is ready to use in a few weeks depending on the size of the colony introduced.

How to Use Compost

Once you've produced your own compost, it is time to use it. The best way to use compost is to get it ready, spread it over the soil and mix it in before you plant your garden. Once you have a good mix of garden soil and compost, you can begin to plant. Continue to use the compost around your plants once they reach an age and size that the initial heat from the compost won't kill them.