I've been making good quality compost in my Mediterranean zone 10a climate, but now I'm facing a challenge: I need to produce a lot more of it! My compost piles start off huge, but by the time they're ready, they shrink down to hardly anything. I keep finding myself low on compost when I want to plant new veggies. What are some effective ways to keep up with my composting needs?
6 Answers
I'm a bit of a compost scavenger myself! I collect deteriorated hay bales, fish scraps from markets, and spent grains from breweries. I even have a system with farmers market vendors to exchange veggies for compostable material. It's a continuous cycle that can be quite productive!
Have you thought about getting rabbits or asking local coffee shops for their coffee grounds? Breweries could be another source for spent grains, but they may want you to pick them up regularly. Just be careful with spent grains since they can attract pests.
It's pretty common for compost enthusiasts to pile up a ton of materials only to find they’ve created just a small amount of finished compost. In your warmer zone, the breakdown happens faster than in colder regions, so just knowing it shrinks down is part of the process!
One great way to boost your compost production is to keep animals like sheep, goats, or chickens. Their waste and bedding can break down into compost, adding a lot of material to your pile!
Consider using compost toilets! Your body's nutrients can really contribute to your compost. Just remember that while nitrogen may be volatile, other essential nutrients stay in the compost and help sustain your garden.
If you find yourself in a pinch, buying compost is also a viable option. Even seasoned gardeners like Charles Dowding have mentioned that they sometimes need to purchase it, especially during peak planting seasons.