Other Readiness Tips
- A properly made heap will reach temperatures up to 160º F in several days. During this time, you will notice settlement in the pile. This is a good sign that your compost pile is working properly.
- The composting process may last from a few weeks to many months, depending upon the types of materials you use, water requirements, and how often you turn your pile.
- Apply the finished product to your garden or around trees and shrubs by turning the soil and applying 1- to 3-inch layers of compost, working it into the soil well.
Harvesting Compost
Compost can be shoveled out of a pile or bin and used just as is, especially for mulch. Remove undecayed objects by sifting them through a screen. If you are using compost in preparing soil for planting or sodding, sift it through a one-inch mesh screen. Compost used in potting mixes or as top-dressing on lawns is commonly sifted through a 3/8-inch or 1/2-inch mesh screen.
Make a simple screen by mounting hardware cloth or other durable wire mesh in a sturdy wooden frame that will fit neatly onto the wheelbarrow or other container into which you will screen the compost. Spread compost onto the screen in a thin layer and shake it. You can work the finer material through the screen with a paddle if it is clumpy. Add the oversized material that remains on top of the screen to a new pile to help it start composting faster.