Active Method

To get loads of beautiful brown compost in just a couple of weeks, try the \"active method\" sometimes called the "hot composting method". Despite what some will tell you, making compost the "active" way should only require just a little more work than the Passive Method.

1) Hunt and gather

Collect enough "browns" and "greens" to build a 3x3x3 foot or larger pile. Active composting is a "hot" method and bulk is necessary in order for your pile to retain heat (see bin size and shape). The pile should contain about 50% high-carbon material and 50% high-nitrogen material. This ratio can be adjusted up or down depending on the quantity and quality of the materials at hand (see C:N ratio).

2) Shred and soak

Try to chop up any large materials. A shredder is not neccessary, but reducing the particle size can help speed up the process. Leaves can be run over with a lawn mower or dry leaves can be placed in a plastic bag or trash can and stomped on to break them up. It's helpful to soak your browns in water overnight before you build the pile. This step is particularly helpful in the dry southern California climate. My composting time was cut in half after I started soaking my "browns".

3) Layer, mix, water, and cover

To build the pile, start with about a four inch layer of "browns" then a four inch layer of "greens". Mix the two layers together then water thoroughly. Continue layering, mixing & watering until your bin is full. The layering is suggested only to make it easy to judge how much "browns" and "greens" have been added. Layering is not necessary but makes it easier to measure and mix the "browns" and "greens" more uniformly which your compost microorganisms will appreciate. A cover on the pile will help it retain heat and water during the dry season and shield it from a drenching during the wet season. If the bin isn't equipted with a cover, flattened cardboard boxes work well (and it's a good way to recycle the cardboard). Just lay the cardboard on top of the pile and water it down.

4) Turn

Temperature is the most accurate way to tell when to turn the pile. Normally, within 24 to 48 hours, a new pile will reach temperatures of about 140 F and will sustain this temperature for several days. When the temperature drops below 120 F, turn the pile using a pitchfork, breaking up any clumps and moving the outside parts to the inside of the pile (the insides compost faster than the outsides). If the pile is too dry, this is a good time to water it again. Cover the pile again and wait. The temperature should peak again in about a week or so. As soon as it begins to cool, turn the pile once more. In a week or two, your compost should be finished.

5) When is compost "finished"?

The easiest and best way to tell if your compost is finished is to take a look at it. The compost should be dark and crumbly, fresh-smelling, with very little of the original material identifiable. Other indicators include a relatively constant temperature (no more than 8 F above ambient air temperature even after turning the pile) and a pH close to 7 (neutral).