3 Composting Methods for Your Composting

Do you want to learn more about different composting method? Two of the most common composting method are cold composting method and hot composting method. Composting can also take place indoors using the Bokashi composting method. Let's look at each of these a little more closely for tips that can help you succeed with your composting.

Cold Composting Method

composting methods


The cold composting method is probably the most common composting method in use today, because it is easy to maintain, and requires less time than other method to keep it alive. That's correct, the compost is kept alive because it is full of worms, bacteria and fungi which are all part of the cold composting process. You can use any organic material with the exception of meat and dairy products, including weeds, grass clippings, leaves, food scraps from the kitchen and shredded newspaper. A simple rule of thumb is that if it is plant based, you can add it to the compost. Layering your compost allows for ventilation and if the compost remains moist and is turned the compost will break down over time.

Hot Composting Method

hot composting methods


The hot composting method means making a heap that is large enough to allow it to create heat. This method is often used by gardeners who have a garden big enough to support the creation of such a large compost heap. The average size of the compost container is at least 4 feet by 4 feet and needs to be fully covered.

You can put whatever you want in the compost bin with the exception of meat, dairy and citrus. For this process to work properly, you must shred everything that you put in the bin. In order to initiate the process of composting and keep it going, you need constant moisture and keep the lid firmly on top of the pile, a tarpaulin works well.

Keep a close eye on the internal temperature with a compost thermometer, which should remain in the range of 140 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit. When the weather cools, you need to turn the compost. This happens about every 10-14 days and in 1-3 months you will have super-rich humus for using in the garden.

Bokashi Composting Method

bokashi composting methods


Bokashi composting method is a form of anaerobic composting means composting of organic material. Unlike other forms of composting it is acceptable to add meat and dairy products and fish to the compost in addition to the usual composting materials. This makes it highly desirable as it is an effective way to compost those materials which usually have to go out in the trash. The compostable materials in the bucket are covered with a layer of EM Bokashi which contains micro organisms and are in a carrier mixture like bran so that it can be easily layered in the bucket with the scraps. The micro organisms in the mixture are what enable the fermentation to take place. 

The layering process continues until the bucket is full and then with the lid tightly on, an oxygen free environment is created and fermentation can take place. This takes several weeks, so often two buckets are used, one in the fermentation process while the other is being filled. Once fermentation has taken place the contents will look much the same except that they are thoroughly pickled and can be added to the garden in a trench or hole or added to the compost pile. It is a nutrient rich soil conditioner and can also be mixed potting mix for potted plants. You can try this cold composting method. Composting doesn't need to be complicated. 

source: http://goarticles.com/article/Composting-Methods/3962772/