How to Improve Compost

Build your compost heap directly on the ground instead of putting it in an enclosed or elevated plastic bin. This makes the compost waste readily available to decomposing macroorganisms, such as ants, slugs, beetles and worms, which aid the composting bacteria by breaking down larger chunks of matter. They also enrich the finished compost with their digestive juices and help make multiple plant nutrients available.

Add a well-mixed blend of both nitrogen- and carbon-based biodegradable waste to your compost heap. Try to include roughly equal amounts of these 2 main types of waste to help provide the composting microbes with the proper levels of both energy -- from the carbon-rich waste -- and growth-enhancing protein -- from the nitrogen-rich waste. Potential sources of nitrogen include moist, green biodegradable waste, such as recently cut lawn clippings, fruit and vegetable scraps from your kitchen and cow or horse manure. Potential sources of carbon include dry, brown biodegradable waste, such as dead leaves, straw, sawdust, wood chips, newspaper and cardboard.

Toss a couple of handfuls of plain topsoil or finished compost into your compost heap alongside the organic waste. This boosts the number of composting microbes present in the waste, which helps speed up the decomposition process and enriches the final compost product. Avoid using bagged topsoil or potting soil purchased from a garden center, since it's typically sterilized, which kills the helpful bacteria naturally present in the dirt.

Monitor your compost on a weekly basis throughout the decomposition process. Toss and mix the waste with a manure fork or garden rake to improve air flow and increase the oxygen level in the waste. Squish a handful of the decomposing waste in your hand to assess its moisture level. If it feels drier than a wrung-out kitchen sponge, mist it down with your garden hose; if you can squeeze out more than 1 or 2 drops of liquid, mix extra carbon waste into the compost to soak up the excessive moisture.