How long does it take to make good, mature compost?
It depends. With average management and most conditions achieved most of the time, good, mature compost will take about six months. Measure six months from the day you completely fill a bin. How will I know that the composting is done? The compost is done when the pile no longer reheats after turning and the volume has decreased to half its original size. Mature compost should look more like soil than bedding material and manure. How do I prepare the pile for winter? If you have an entire bin available, build a six-to eight-inch layer of wood chips. Next, put down three feet of leaves and then alternate layers of manure and bulking materials. By spring the leaves will have decomposed and the pile will need some turning, but it should be nearly finished. The higher the bedding-to-manure ratio, the more likely it is that you will need supplemental nitrogen. If you have the proper amount of water and free air space and the pile still doesnt heat up, add one-third cup of a commercial nitro
