Composting Suggestions and Hints:
The organic compost that you produce can and should be used everywhere in your garden: flower beds, shrubs, vegetable gardens, potted and/or container plants and lawns. It is best used when it can be incorporated into the soil.
Composting is easy. Any organic material can be composted. This includes meat scraps, oils, fats, kitchen scraps, yard waste - branches, leaves, grass, etc. There are some additional factors to consider however. Meat scraps, fats, etc. take longer and can attract animal pests. This is a concern particularly for Level I composting (see below). Branches can take years to decompose unless you shred them.
The factors which control composting are: quality and physical condition of the organic material, air, sufficient microorganisms, temperature, moisture, energy sources, and pH. Bio-Excelerator solves the microorganisms, energy sources, and pH requirements. If you are experiencing problems they can generally be solved by adding Bio-Excelerator and aerating (turning the compost), moistening (not drowning) the pile, or shredding the organic material. Also your compost pile needs to be of sufficient size to ensure successful results.
Problem - foul odors. This can occur from the type of organic material being used and/or because your compost pile is undergoing anaerobic conditions (not enough air). Solution - turn pile more frequently and be careful to not over water.
Composting Directions:
Level I - 1 Year or more:
Level I composting takes the least effort but is slow. Select a partially shaded site on level well-drained ground where you wish to build your compost pile. A minimum area of four feet by four feet is suggested. The first layer of your pile should be composed of small branches, twigs, wood chips, etc. This will help increase air penetration and porosity. Sprinkle enough Bio-Excelerator to completely cover this area (approximately one cup per 16 sq. feet). Now add a six inch layer of organic material. Before adding the next layer of organic material sprinkle Bio-Excelerator completely over your last layer. After several layers or organic material have been added it is helpful to add another layer of small branches, twigs, wood chips, etc. to help ensure good porosity throughout your pile. Continue to repeat this process until your pile is at least four feet high. Always remember to apply Bio-Excelerator before adding another layer of organic material. You should expect quality humus in about a year or more.
Level II Composting - 2 to 3 months:
Level II composting follows the same procedure as Level I except that there are two additional requirements. After each application of Espoma Compost Bio-Excelerator you should completely moisten (not soak) the area. Next a minimum of at least twice a month, but preferably once a week, the pile should be turned. Since you will turning the pile regularly, it is not necessary to have the intermittent layers of small branches, twigs, wood chips, etc. unless you desire to do so. Level II composting reduces the time required for humus product to two to three months minimum.
Level III Composting - 2 to 3 weeks:
Level III composting requires that the organic material be shredded whenever possible. Follow directions for building your compost pile from Level II above. Every time organic material is added it should be sprinkled completely with Bio-Excelerator and moistened. Daily inspect your compost pile to make sure that is remains moist and turn the pile completely. Surface area, aerobic conditions, and moisture are all optimized with this system. Under these optimum conditions humus can be generated in two to three weeks minimum.
