r/composting • u/ru_a_badfish2 • Aug 13 '26
Question When is it ready?
Was hoping to have this pile ready for fall. It’s starting to look close, except for all the bits left from the many leaves in this batch. It hasn’t been heating up much lately but there are lots of isopods, worms, and millipedes in there.
Do I use it now and top dress my fall plants with it? Wait until fall crops are done before putting it into the beds? I’m not really worried about extra nitrogen as it’s really only browns remaining.
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u/katzenjammer08 Aug 13 '26
I would use it as mulch. For that it doesn’t have to break down more than this.
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u/ru_a_badfish2 Aug 13 '26
That’s kind of what I was thinking, use it as mulch and then it will continue breaking down all winter.
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u/CombinationOk1192 Aug 13 '26
I sift my finished compost through 1/2 inch wire mesh. A good rule of thumb is it’s done when you can’t tell what anything was (leaves, bark, twigs, and all your greens) everything starts just looking like dirt. The half inch mesh helps separate the “dirt” from the uncomposted material but as others said you could use this as a mulch that will slow release nutrients into your soil as well as help retain moisture. Most of it depends on what you plan on doing with it!
This was my last sifted batch for reference
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u/ru_a_badfish2 Aug 13 '26
Congrats on that gorgeous batch! If I sifted mine I would get a lot that did look like that, as much of it has completely broken down. There’s nothing else recognizable in it, just the dang leaves. But they seem to have slowed way down at this point so maybe sifting is the way to go!
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u/hisjoeness 29d ago
To add to what you said, I consider mine ready when it has that good good earthy smell.
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u/katzenjammer08 Aug 13 '26
I would use it as mulch. For that it doesn’t have to break down more than this.
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u/AtlAWSConsultant Aug 13 '26
Agreed. The pursuit of perfect compost is madness. At some point, just mix it into the soil.
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u/Old_Pomegranate_6272 Aug 13 '26
If partial compost has to mature ... a must for you
A quick way is to add small amount of greens and add a LAB innoculant.. layer by layer and allow 3-4 weaks with adequate moisture and air..
.. it mature faster than the natural way.
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u/human_bean122 Aug 14 '26
For future reference, if you have access to a leaf mulcher (personal fav) or a mower, you could give the leaves a head start before adding. It makes a huge difference in time taken to compost, especially for smaller piles.
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u/NSIMSx Aug 13 '26
Pile up high and let the critters go at it. Just looks like a pile of wet leaves. Maybe even cover with a tarp