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What is Hot Compost?
Hot compost decomposes much faster than its cold
counterpart. Using the hot method allows gardeners to make several piles of
finished compost in 1 season. Typically, it takes about 2 months to make finished compost using the hot composting method. The drawback; the finished product
contains less nitrogen than finished cold compost.
What is Cold Compost?
Cold compost takes less of an effort to make and takes
between 6 to 24 months to completely decompose. This method is easier to make
because all a gardener has to do is add compost ingredients and
occasionally turn the pile. Unlike hot compost, the cold variety doesn’t kill
weed seeds or pathogens.
Whether the hot or cold composting method is used, the benefits of finished compost make this gardening activity well worth it, especially for the
organic gardener. I use the cold compost method and usually have 2 to 3 piles
in different stages of decomposition going at once. I don’t mind the wait and
since I’ve been composting for a number of years now, my gardens enjoy a dose
of finished compost each season.
Additional Composting Articles
Reference: Organic Gardening (2007). Make Compost in 14 Days. Rodale Inc
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