Fresh compost :
The materials have turned brown and are still easily recognizable; The compost is coarse in texture and its temperature is intense. This is the heat phase.

2.

Partially decomposed :
The compost heap is full of microscopic insects and fungi. The materials are more crumbly and are almost unrecognizable. There is much chemical exchange and a considerable loss in volume. This is the gaseous phase.

3.

Mature compost :
The compost ranges in colour from dark brown to almost black, has a granular texture and smells like forest floor. There are fewer insects. This is the humus-building stage. The compost is easy to sift and to spread. This is the humidification phase.

Aged compost :
The compost resembles soil (loam). Its organic content gradually drops off. This is the mineralization phase.

How can compost be used?

TYPE OF COMPOST USES

Partially-rotted compost

Note :

Well-decomposed organic matter is more effective worked into the soil (no deeper than 12 cm); less decomposed matter is better spread on top (preferably on cloudy days).


How to use compost

Garden
Work 10-15 cm of compost into the soil before planting flowers or vegetables.

Lawn
Sift the compost for spreading on the lawn in spring (1/3-1 cm) along with grass seed mixture. Water thoroughly to let the compost penetrate the soil.

Houseplants
Water flowers and plants with compost leachate

Vegetable beds
Spread frequently but thinly in layers of 1–4 cm and work into the soil up to a depth of 12 cm. Poor soil may require an annual addition of compost until the desired results are achieved.

Tree planting
Dig a hole up to twice the diameter of the root ball of the tree to be planted. Add 30% of compost/volume to the area and mix well with the dug out soil. Put the tree in the hole and fill in with the compost-amended earth. Water thoroughly.