Compost can take anywhere from a couple of months to a year or more.
It's ready when
- It's dark brown and crumbly
- It smells earthy, not sour
- You can't recognize the original materials
- The pile has shrunk and cooled down
Speed it up
Chop materials small, keep the moisture right, balance greens and browns, and turn the pile more often.
General information. Check local composting rules. Bright Fern Living isn't paid by any store or brand.