How to speed up composting? Prepare your yeast mixture and the leftovers will turn into fertilizer in no time

Composting allows us to turn waste into the most valuable natural fertilizer that we can feed all the plants we grow. However, the decomposition of residues takes a long time – from several months to two years. Fortunately, there are many ways to shorten this process, and one of the best is a yeast mixture. See how to use it to speed up composting.

How long does composting take?

Composting costs nothing, but it allows us to get the most valuable fertilizers. It can be used regardless of the season for all plants in the garden – whether in ornamental beds, in the vegetable garden or in the home orchard. Compost enriches the soil with nutrients, improves its structure and prevents erosion, in addition, it is a way to make useful use of organic waste. But it takes a long time to get it.

We usually wait 6 months to 2 years for mature compost. How long composting takes depends on several factors. One of the most important is the type of waste that goes into the compost. Dry, woody materials such as branches, straw, pine cones or sawdust decompose the slowest. The more of them there are in the compost, the longer we will have to wait for fertilizer. Another important factor is temperature. It is this that causes composting to slow down significantly in winter and speed up in spring and summer.

The time required to obtain compost also affects the way it is cared for and the rate of decomposition of the residues. Regular watering and turning the dose will speed up the ripening of the fertilizer. There are other ways to shorten the process that are worth trying. There are special compost activators available in the shops, but there’s nothing stopping you from making your own – all you need is yeast, sugar and water.

How to speed up composting – yeast mixture

Commercial compost activators very often have yeast in their composition. This is not surprising, because this natural product is a source of microorganisms and enzymes that help break down organic matter. Yeast reproduces rapidly and performs fermentation by consuming sugars from organic materials, which generates heat. At the same time, they create a favorable environment for other beneficial microorganisms responsible for the composting process. Not only do they speed up this process, but they also provide a source of valuable ingredients to enrich the fertilizer.

Adding yeast to compost is beneficial, but we must not overdo it. Use it every few weeks, preferably in the form of the following mixture:

• 1 cube of yeast (100 g),
• 220 g sugar,
• 10 l of lukewarm water.

The yeast used does not have to be fresh (it can also be too old). Crumble the yeast, sprinkle with sugar and let stand for about 1 hour. After this time, dissolve it in lukewarm water and immediately pour it on the compost. This is a simple way to speed up the decomposition of leftovers.