How do I access my compost?

Harvesting Compost
Harvesting compost is relatively easy if you are using a compost bin.

You will find that the compost towards the bottom of the bin is ready, while the compost at the top of the bin needs longer. Whilst some compost bins have a little door near the base, it is quite a challenge to remove the compost through such a small opening.

The best way is: 

1. Remove the lid from the compost bin and tilt or wiggle the bin to loosen compost from all the sides
2. Like removing a cake from a baking tray, gently lift the bin upwards, leaving a perfectly formed compost pile. 
3. You will see the layers of 'ready' compost and that which needs longer in the system.
4. Place your compost bin in its next location, and shovel all the top layers back into it for another round.
5. Once you reach the 'ready' compost, shovel that into a wheelbarrow, buckets, or straight into the veggie patch.

Using Compost
You are now ready to use your compost!

1. Tip your compost into the garden bed or area you need to enrich. 
2. Using a garden fork or rake, turn it in to the soil, as there is greater benefit for the soil if it is evenly distributed through rather than a layer on tip which can go crusty.
3. If you have chooks, give the compost a couple of days turned into the soil, and then let them tractor it in and turn the soil once again. You can do it earlier, but they tend to eat all the worms and kick out too much of the compost in their frenzy! 
4. Now, you are ready to plant your next crop! If you are really lucky, tomato and capsicum plants will pop up naturally as they may have some seeds survive the composting process - this not only saves you money on buying plants and seeds, but also improves the crop as each year that you save and replant seeds, the crop is a little better adapted to your soil and environment.

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