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You can make compost in as little as three months, or the process could take as long as one year. When outdoor temperatures are warm, microbial activity increases, speeding up the decomposition process. In winter things slow down, but you can still add materials.

HOW TO KNOW WHEN YOUR COMPOST IS DONE

The simplest way to tell if your compost is "mature"—ready to use—is the "bag test." Put a handful of compost into a zip-lock bag and leave it there for a week or so. Then open the bag and smell it. If you detect an ammonia odor or sour odor, the microorganisms are still at work and you need to let your compost finish curing. Test it again in several weeks.

HOW TO SPEED THINGS UP

In general, the following measures will speed up the composting process:

• add an equal proportion (by volume) of "greens" and "browns"
• add water as often as necessary to keep proper moisture level
• turn your pile
• cut up large items such as houseplants, branches, or grapefruit rinds before you add them to your pile

For more information, see
• troubleshooting outdoor composting
• using your compost
• compost science

nyc compost project | how to compost | compost science | nyc compost resources
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