Use a compost aerator to speed up composting

In the last few years backyard composting has become a way of life for many householders. There are some tools that do make composting easier and this article will describe the benefits of using a compost aerator.

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Firstly what are the benefits of aerating a compost pile? When is the best time to aerate a compost pile and what about different types of aerators? Are some better than others? Read onto find the answers to these questions and more.

Benefits of aerating the compost

For the compost pile to decompose properly and produce the lovely moist crumbly compost to use in the garden the compost pile must have oxygen. Aerating the pile by turning the contents is the best way to increase oxygen into a compost pile or compost bin. Turning the heap will expose more surface area of the material which will in turn reheat and break down.

Sometimes materials in a compost pile can become matted. This is particularly the case if too many green materials have been lumped into the bin for example, green lawn clippings which after mowing the lawn are sometimes added to the bin in large quantities. Turning the pile will help to break up this mass of material and distribute the contents more evenly.

How to aerate the compost pile

This can be done with a shovel or pitchfork. In the past I have emptied the contents of the bin, shoveled it and returned it to the bin. This is hard work and a chore that I repeatedly put off doing. It is easier to use a compost aerator which is specifically made for the purpose. There are several on the market but essentially the look like a pole with wings near one end. The compost aerator is thrust right into the centre of the pile and then as it is lifted and turned the folded wings at the bottom open and turns the contents thus allowing oxygen into the pile. This is still not always an easy task but infinitely easier than the shovel method.

The other type of aerator commonly seen resembles a giant corkscrew and works as would be expected by turning and lifting the contents. After using the aerator rinse the wings under a tap and care for as with any other garden implement.

When to aerate the pile

Once a week is a good rule of thumb for turning the compost and easy to remember. When turning the compost it is a good opportunity to check the moisture levels and add a little water if the compost is too dry.

Different types of aerators

There are many different brands of aerators but most feature either the folding wings as described above or a corkscrew motion which lifts the compost. Both work very well and do most of the work, apart from some muscle power that will be required by you. Think of the nice toned arms you will have.

Why aerate the pile?

The main reason for using a compost aerator is to do as the name suggests, aerate the compost. This will speed up the composting process by allowing oxygen to reach the centre of the compost pile. Compost piles can be heavy and difficult to turn which make the compost aerator a very useful garden tool.