Compost is one of the most important ingredients in a healthy gardening system, providing essential nutrients and organic matter to help plants grow strong and vigorous. Over time, however, it can become depleted of these vital nutrients, leaving your plants vulnerable to pests and diseases.
Luckily, there are a few simple ways to revive old compost and give it new life, and we want to share them with you today.
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Add Some Fresh Organic Material
One of the most important things you can do to keep your compost healthy is to add fresh organic material regularly. This will help aerate the compost and keep it from becoming too dense.
You can add fresh organic material in the form of kitchen scraps, garden waste, or even fallen leaves. Just make sure that you chop or shred the material into small pieces before adding it to the compost so that it breaks down more easily. Additionally, ensure that the material is clean and free of any harmful chemicals or pesticides.
Inoculate with Compost Tea
Inoculating with compost tea is a great way to revive your compost. This process will help introduce new microorganisms, which can help break down organic matter and improve the quality of the compost.
Inoculating with compost tea is a simple process that can be done by mixing a small amount of compost with water in a container. Allow the mixture to sit for 24 hours, then strain out the solids and apply the tea to your compost pile.
Use a Tumbler
Compost tumblers are perfect for adding oxygen to your compost and speeding up the decomposition process. By turning the tumbler regularly, you aerate the compost and help it break down more quickly. These tumblers also keep your compost contained, so you don’t have to worry about critters getting into it.
If your compost starts to smell bad or appears slimy, it’s perhaps not getting sufficient oxygen. Turning your tumbler will introduce more air and help revive your compost. You may also need to add more materials such as dead leaves, twigs, or wood chips to soak up excess moisture and promote aeration.
Use an Accelerator
If you’re considering kick-starting your compost pile, think about using a compost accelerator. A compost accelerator is a material that helps speed up the decomposition process. This product typically contains enzymes or bacteria that help break down organic matter more quickly. This can be helpful if you’re trying to revive a pile that’s not working as quickly as you’d like.
There are many different types of accelerators available, so be sure to do some research to find one that will work best for your needs. Adding an accelerator to your compost pile can help you get the results you’re looking for in no time!
Add Some Worms
One way to add some worms to your compost is to purchase them from a bait shop online. Another way is to dig around in the soil near where you plan to compost and look for worms. Once you have collected the worms, simply add them to your pile. The worms will help break down the organic matter, making it more nutrient-rich.
Worms are not the only creatures that can help revive a compost pile. Other options include mites, beetles, and other insects. These creatures will all help break down the organic matter in the compost, making it more nutrient-rich. If you have a compost pile that is not receiving enough attention, adding some of these creatures can help to jump-start the process.
Keep It Moist
One of the most important things you can do to keep your compost healthy is to make sure it stays moist. You can accomplish it by adding water to the pile when needed and covering it with a tarp or other type of cover.
You should also check it regularly to make sure it is not too wet or too dry, and add water or material as needed. If it does become too dry, you can revive it by adding water and stirring it well.
Wait patiently
Perhaps the simplest way to revive old compost is to be patient. Compost takes time to decompose and mature, so give it at least 6 months before using it in your garden. If you can wait even longer – a year or more – it will be even richer in nutrients and beneficial microbes.
In Summary
Have you ever dealt with a compost that just wasn’t performing the way it used to? By following these simple tips, you can easily revive old compost and turn it into a valuable asset for your garden. Just remember to be patient and give it time to do its work!
Do you have any tips or tricks of your own? Reach out to us and let us know! We love getting feedback from our readers and hearing about how our content has helped them in their gardening endeavors.
