Composting has become a go-to for eco-conscious gardeners and homeowners. But if you’ve ever waited months for compost to mature, you know it can test your patience! Compost starters can help speed up this process by introducing beneficial microbes and nutrients, ensuring faster decomposition and rich, high-quality compost. Here’s a guide on the best compost starters to elevate your composting game.
Homemade Compost Starters
You may already have the best compost starters in your kitchen! Several natural ingredients can effectively activate compost.
Green Garden Waste: Adding nitrogen-rich greens like grass clippings, green leaves, and vegetable scraps can kick-start composting. Nitrogen is essential for microbial activity and accelerates the breakdown of other organic materials.
Coffee Grounds: A popular choice for compost piles, coffee grounds are rich in nitrogen and add an earthy texture.
They’re also readily available, especially if you’re a regular coffee drinker.
Alfalfa Meal: Often used as livestock feed, alfalfa meal is packed with nitrogen and amino acids. It helps break down organic matter quickly and adds beneficial nutrients.
Manure: For those with access to farm animals, manure (chicken, cow, or horse) is one of the best compost starters.
It’s rich in bacteria and essential nutrients but must be composted properly to avoid pathogens.
Store-Bought Compost Starters
For beginners or anyone looking to simplify the process, a store-bought compost starter is a reliable choice. These products come pre-mixed with beneficial microbes and other additives.
Dr. Earth Compost Starter: This organic starter is widely used and includes a balanced mix of microorganisms, alfalfa meal, and kelp to jumpstart decomposition. It’s easy to use and safe for vegetable and flower gardens.
Jobe’s Organics Compost Starter: Known for its quick results, Jobe’s starter contains Biozome, a proprietary mix of bacteria, fungi, and microbes that accelerate composting while improving soil health.
Espoma Organic Traditions Compost Starter: A favorite for many organic gardeners, Espoma includes a blend of microbes, proteins, and minerals to support a balanced compost breakdown. It’s effective for various compost types, including food and garden waste.
Nature’s Care Compost Starter: Made by Miracle-Gro, Nature’s Care is designed for ease of use and reliable results. It provides a good mix of microorganisms and nutrients and is recommended for yard waste and vegetable scraps.
DIY Compost Starter “Recipes”
Combining household ingredients with natural additives can create an effective compost starter. Here are two simple DIY recipes:
Bokashi Mix: Combine a handful of rice bran, molasses, and effective microorganisms (EM) powder, often available at gardening stores. This mix introduces essential microbes and boosts decomposition.
Compost Tea: In a bucket of water, add compost (or manure), a few tablespoons of molasses, and leave it to steep for a few days. Pouring compost tea into your pile accelerates microbial growth.
Choosing the Best Starter for Your Needs
Selecting the right compost starter depends on your composting style and available resources:
Kitchen and Garden Composters: Homemade options like green waste and coffee grounds may suffice.
Yard Composters: Store-bought products like Dr. Earth and Espoma work well if you’re composting in larger volumes or adding a variety of organic materials.
Indoor Composters: Bokashi starters and compost tea are ideal for smaller, indoor compost setups.
Tips for Using Compost Starters Effectively
Layering: When adding compost starter, try to layer it between compost materials for even distribution.
Turning the Compost: Aerating by turning the compost will improve oxygen flow, enhancing the effects of the compost starter.
Balancing Greens and Browns: Ensure you’re using an appropriate green-to-brown ratio (usually 1:2) for best results.
Greens (like veggie scraps) provide nitrogen, while browns (like dried leaves) add carbon.
Adding a compost starter to your composting routine can help you create a rich, nutritious compost faster and more efficiently. Whether you choose a DIY option, an all-natural approach, or a specialized store-bought blend, the key is to experiment with different starters and discover which one works best for your needs.
Additional Natural Boosters for Compost
While compost starters work well on their own, pairing them with natural boosters can further enrich your compost pile:
Crushed Eggshells: Eggshells are rich in calcium, which helps balance the acidity of compost. Rinse and crush them before adding them to prevent unwanted smells and pests.
Wood Ash: Wood ash from untreated wood adds potassium and calcium carbonate, which helps to neutralize acidic compost. Be careful not to add too much, as it can raise pH levels.
Seaweed: If you live near the coast, seaweed is a fantastic compost booster! It contains trace minerals, growth hormones, and beneficial enzymes. Rinse it to remove salt before adding it to the pile.
Shredded Paper or Cardboard: High in carbon, these materials absorb excess moisture and balance nitrogen-rich “greens” like food scraps. Avoid glossy, heavily inked paper, and shred it well to speed up decomposition.
Troubleshooting Common Composting Problems
Composting is an art and a science, and even with a compost starter, issues can arise. Here’s how to tackle some common problems:
Bad Smells: Odors usually indicate an excess of nitrogen (greens) or lack of oxygen. Add more browns like dry leaves or shredded paper, and turn the pile to aerate.
Slow Decomposition: If your compost isn’t breaking down fast enough, check your green-to-brown balance and moisture level. Adding a compost starter or extra green materials can help revitalize microbial activity.
Pests: While composting should attract some insects (they’re part of the process), if you notice too many flies or rodents, it could mean food scraps are exposed. Cover them with browns, and consider using a closed compost bin or placing wire mesh around the pile.
When to Harvest and Use Your Finished Compost
Composting times vary based on factors like material type, climate, and the use of compost starters. Typically, compost is ready to use in 2-6 months, depending on how actively it’s managed. Here’s how to know it’s done:
Texture and Appearance: Finished compost looks dark, crumbly, and soil-like. There should be no recognizable food scraps.
Smell: Mature compost has an earthy, sweet smell, unlike the sour or rotting odor of unfinished compost.
Test with a Squeeze: Grab a handful and squeeze – it should feel slightly moist but not wet. If water drips out, let it dry a bit more.
How to Use Your Compost
Once your compost is ready, it’s time to use it around your garden and home:
Soil Amendment: Mix compost into garden beds to improve soil structure, moisture retention, and nutrient levels. A 1-2 inch layer spread over the soil and worked in should be sufficient.
Mulching: Spread compost as a top layer around plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Houseplants: For indoor plants, mix a small amount of compost into potting soil. Be careful not to overdo it, as houseplants may be sensitive to nutrient levels.
Compost Tea for Plants: Soak finished compost in water for a few days to create a nutrient-rich liquid. This “compost tea” is perfect for watering plants and giving them a nutrient boost.
Using a compost starter can transform your composting experience, turning it from a long, unpredictable process into a manageable, efficient one. Whether you go with a homemade option or a commercial product, the addition of a compost starter brings valuable microbes and nutrients that speed up decomposition and enrich your compost.
From gardening enthusiasts to beginner composters, these compost starters and tips will help you create rich, fertile soil for your garden while reducing waste and supporting sustainable gardening practices. Embrace the magic of composting, and let nature’s recycling process reward you with soil that’s bursting with life and nutrients.
