Time To Harvest Your Compost

"Nature demands a gift for everything that it gives, so what we have to keep doing, is returning [leaves & compost materials] back to the soil, then we're continuously giving the gifts to nature, because we have a return cycle." - Geoff Lawton

It's time to harvest last years compost or start a new pile or both. As the temperatures rise in May the decomposition rate increases and so does your compost rotting process. I have had good results in bins and piles, so whatever you choose, the time is now.

I just set up a new compost bin and have harvested a starter from the old one. If you don't have an old one, a big shovel of garden earth will do, to start a new pile. The microbes in both will kick start the rotting process. Just mix one or the other into the new pile.

So remember the rule, woody debris, then half (green) woody, then green stuff in layers. Keep it covered with a tarp or sacks, so not exposed to rain and check once a month that it's not too dry or too wet.
This is my harvest after the sieving process and ready to use. Gold for your garden and the best thing for all your plants, vegetables and fruit. Better than bought, smells like a forrest floor, best ecological feed and growing medium you can give to your garden plants and costs you nothing except time and elbow grease.

compost starter bucket

After first sift with 2 cm chicken wire wood frame

finished after 2 more sifts with 1 cm hand sieve