Quick Compost in just 6 weeks

Waiting a year for compost can feel like forever, but with the right approach, you can speed up decomposition and make compost in just six weeks. Traditional cold composting takes around 12 months with minimal effort, but if you’re willing to put in a little work, you can have rich, crumbly compost in a fraction of the time.

Quick Compost Method

To achieve quick compost, you need to combine several techniques. Using just one or two won’t be enough to accelerate the process—you need to apply them all together for the fastest results.

Shred Everything First

The smaller the pieces, the quicker your compost breaks down. Chopping up your compost materials increases the surface area for microbes, making decomposition faster.

• Use a shredder or simply spread compost materials on the lawn and mow over them to break them into fine pieces.

• Finer material allows better airflow and moisture balance, key factors in speeding up composting.

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Get the Size Right

A compost pile needs to be at least 1m wide, 1m deep, and 1m tall to generate enough internal heat.

• Keep it warm by covering with a carpet, tarp, or using a wooden box frame.

• The inside of the pile should be warmer than the outside, which helps beneficial microbes thrive.

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Turn Your Compost Regularly

Compost microbes need oxygen, and turning the heap regularly speeds up the breakdown process.

• If possible, use a compost bin with two sections—turning from one side into the other makes aeration easier.

• Follow this schedule:

  • Turn every 2 days for the first week

  • Turn every 3 days for the second week

  • Turn once a week for the next four weeks

• Turning allows you to monitor moisture levels and adjust if necessary. If the pile isn’t breaking down quickly, adding grass clippings can provide a nitrogen boost.

  
  

Maintain the Right Ratio of Materials

The balance between green (nitrogen-rich) and brown (carbon-rich) materials is crucial for quick composting.

• Aim for a 50:50 mix of green and brown materials, or a 2:1 ratio of greens to browns.

• For precise composting, a carbon-to-nitrogen ratio of 20–40:1 is ideal.

• If you’re unsure, online compost ratio calculators, such as the one from Morning Chores, can help.

  
  

Keep the Moisture Levels Right

Compost should be around 60% moisture—as damp as a wrung-out sponge.

• If the pile is too wet, mix in more brown materials like shredded cardboard or straw.

• If it’s too dry, add water or fresh greens to rehydrate it.

• Covering the heap helps prevent excess water from rain while retaining enough moisture for microbial activity.

  
  

How Long Until the Compost Is Ready?

If you follow these steps, your compost should be ready to use in just six weeks. The final result will be dark, crumbly, and rich in nutrients—perfect for enriching your soil.

Making quick compost requires effort, but the reward is high-quality organic matter in record time. Whether you’re improving garden beds, feeding hungry plants, or boosting soil health, a little extra work now means free, nutrient-rich compost for years to come.

Read our Blog about Secrets to making great compost for beginners