Once produced, the best thing to do with your compost is to use it, creating space to make some more. However there are times when you are not quite ready for it or want to store some for later use. So we need to consider how to store our homemade compost. Sifting and sorting will not have removed all the bugs and mini beasts, therefore new compost benefits from a maturation period. This allows the worms, bugs and beasts to move on to the next batch of compost you are making. The three most popular storage methods are;

In bags. If storing small quantities or you have carefully sifted and graded your compost you can bag it up. If bagging up allow the contents of the bags to breathe so the bugs and beasties can escape before you seal them.

In a cold compost bin. Compost will mature and keep well in a cold composting bin for up to 5 years. It will be protected from stray weed seeds by the lid and stay damp.

In a compost bay. Once my compost has been generated I allow it to mature in a bay on the side of my New Zealand bay system, created specifically for the purpose. I cover the bay with a piece of old carpet, which allows the rain water to filter through keeping it damp, and keeps the weed seeds off. The carpet also stops any seeds in my compost from growing and using up all those nutrients.

Once produced, the best thing to do with your compost is to use it, creating space to make some more. However there are times when you are not quite ready for it or want to store some for later use. So we need to consider how to store our homemade compost. Sifting and sorting will not have removed all the bugs and mini beasts, therefore new compost benefits from a maturation period. This allows the worms, bugs and beasts to move on to the next batch of compost you are making. The three most popular storage methods are;

• In bags. If storing small quantities or you have carefully sifted and graded your compost you can bag it up. If bagging up allow the contents of the bags to breathe so the bugs and beasties can escape before you seal them.
• In a cold compost bin. Compost will mature and keep well in a cold composting bin for up to 5 years. It will be protected from stray weed seeds by the lid and stay damp.
• In a compost bay. Once my compost has been generated I allow it to mature in a bay on the side of my New Zealand bay system, created specifically for the purpose. I cover the bay with a piece of old carpet, which allows the rain water to filter through keeping it damp, and keeps the weed seeds off. The carpet also stops any seeds in my compost from growing and using up all those nutrients.

If you have nowhere to store it and plan to use your compost as a soil improver or mulch then the best thing to do is spread it out or pile it up in the garden where you plan to use it. It will continue to mature in situ.

If you have any questions, get in touch.