I've finally gotten the hang of making good compost in my Mediterranean zone 10a climate, but I'm struggling with how to produce enough of it. My compost piles start off huge but end up yielding very little by the time they're finished. I'm running out of compost just when I need it for my new veggie plantings. Any tips or solutions for increasing my compost supply?
5 Answers
Have you thought about scavenging for compost materials? You could probably get free round bales of hay that aren't sellable, or reach out to a microbrewery or coffee shop for their leftovers. Plus, I sell veggies at farmers markets and I've arranged with other vendors to collect their organic waste—it's a win-win!
Compost toilets are a game-changer for nutrient recycling. They can provide a good source of nutrients, especially if you're using a cover material like sawdust. This method could help you produce a significant amount of compost to balance out the food you consume yearly.
It's not uncommon to see a massive pile shrink down to a tiny amount of finished compost. In warmer climates like yours, the breakdown happens quicker! Try sourcing more materials; you might look for things like kitchen scraps, yard waste, or even approaching local businesses for coffee grounds or spent grains from breweries, just be wary of the potential pests they might attract.
If all else fails, buying compost is always an option. Even seasoned gardeners like Charles Dowding have admitted to purchasing compost at times when they need more for their gardens—sometimes it's just necessary!
Consider incorporating animal waste into your compost! Animals like sheep, goats, and chickens can produce waste and bedding that can help bulk up your compost piles. It's a great way to enhance your compost mix and create more volume.