How to make a super fast hot composting bin

Most experienced gardeners know compost is the life blood of good soil fertility in the garden. But most of the time making compost is a long drawn out affair that will take a minimum of 6 months. One thing that can make regular composting even more timely is the fact you are always adding fresh waste to the pile meaning some parts are always in the first stages of decomposition.

This article will explain how to make a ‘fast hot pile’ that will be ready in a couple of months just follow our step by step guide!

First of all to generate the correct amount of heat the pile should be the right size about a cubic metre or 3ft by 3ft.  There are many containers or bins on the market that will facilitate hot composting here.

It is really important you shred down all your materials in to fine evenly textures particles; this applies to woody browns and green soft material. In a perfect situation all materials would go through a shredder, chipper or run over with a heavy duty lawn mower with a mulching function.
It’s important you place your compost bin on bare ground and not concrete or hard standing surfaces as this can slow the process down.

Start layering the base of your compost bin with woody materials such as wood chips or straw to a depth of about 6 inches. Then add 3-4 inches of a soft green layer and try not to compact the layers too much as you go. Then add a 2 inch layer of finished compost across the top. At this point you can boost the compost by adding a composting accelerator these come in many forms check out our recommended range here. This will raise the nitrogen levels and add extra beneficial bacteria and microbes to your compost. At this point you can also add a 2 inch layer of chicken, rabbit, horse or cow manure to boost the nitrogen content but is not essential.

Water your compost between the layers; you want your compost to be damp like a wringed out sponge but not so wet it’s soggy. Continue repeating the layers building up to the top of the compost bin. To keep heat and moisture in the pile cover your hot composter with a lid or a breathable membrane.

Over the next week the compost should heat up dramatically when it starts to cool down its time to give your materials a good turning over. You should then turn your compost every week for the next 5 weeks until the compost stops warming up. When your compost reaches this stage and is cool leave to sit for three weeks then you can start adding it to your garden.