Whether you’re a seasoned composter or you’re just starting a compost pile this season, you’ve probably heard at least a little bit about compost activators and inoculators. These are things you can purchase to add to your compost pile to speed up the decomposition process. Some activators can even be found around the house.
Activators are primarily a loaded nitrogen source, which will, indeed, heat a compost pile up. Inoculators (or microbial activators) are usually a source of microorganisms that you can be added to a pile instead of waiting for these decomposers to arrive into the pile by themselves. Gardeners have differing thoughts on the topic of adding activators or inoculators to their piles.
First of all, let me just say that if the bottom of your pile sits on bare earth, neither of them actually needs to be added by you — bare ground will bring in all the microbes necessary for great compost. The same goes for the carbon/nitrogen balance in the pile. Using the browns and greens that we find around our homes usually works just fine. Nature is awesome like that.
That said, if you’d like to speed up the process — especially with a brand new pile for one that’s elevated or not touching the ground for any other reason — activators and inoculators can certainly give your pile the punch that it’s looking for. It certainly won’t hurt.
Activators Around the House
Simple organic activators you may have on hand are lime (limestone), blood meal (yes, it’s dried blood), fish meal, and poultry, rabbit, and horse manure. Rabbit food (pellets) and dry dog food are also organic activators that are often have on-hand.
Human urine is an interesting (and free) compost activator if you’re game. It’s loaded with nitrogen, minerals, and vitamins, making it a dandy activator. Of course, the easiest way to activate a new compost pile is to take a coffee can full of previously made compost and toss it into the new one. Presto! Like magic.
Commercial Activators and Inoculators
Bagged or boxed commercial organic activators usually contain nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and microorganisms. Some inoculators are sold as dissolvable tablets consisting of dormant bacteria and fungi. You may also find herbal inoculators which may include comfrey, dandelion, valerian, chamomile, and nettle. Some companies claim that these products not only speed up the decomposition process but enhance the nutritional qualities of finished compost.
Fine Gardening Recommended Products
Burpee Organic Coconut Coir Concentrated Seed Starting Mix, 16 Quart
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ORGANIC COCONUT COIR: Made from recycled coconut husks, coir is a light, sustainable growing medium that holds the perfect amount of moisture for starting seeds. 100% biodegradable soil alternative. Environmentally friendly and a renewable alternative to peat moss. OMRI listed and certified organic. IDEAL GROWING MIX: Improve seed germination and root growth with this premium coconut fiber mix, which improves nutrients absorption! Great for flower, vegetable, herb, and more plant types. OMRI listed. Naturally disease and pathogen resistant, it will help you grow healthy live plants. EASY TO STORE & EXPAND: Each compact coconut coir brick expands into 8 quarts of seed starting mix, providing 16 quarts total. Just add water to expand! Dehydrated bricks save space until planting. Once expanded, coconut coir provides a quality growing medium for all types of plants—indoor plants, house plants, outdoor plants, and more! NATURALLY CONSERVES WATER: Renewable coco coir has excellent moisture retention and better air circulation than peat. This eco-friendly, premium seeds starting mix combines well with other potting soil and compost for container plants & raised beds. 100% GUARANTEED: Burpee is committed to the success of all gardeners. We treat each order with care to ensure healthy seeds, plants, soil mixes, and gardening supplies are sent in excellent condition. If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, we aim to make it right!
Ho-Mi Digger - Korean Triangle Blade
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Versatile Tool: The Easy Digger Korean Triangle Blade Ho Mi Ho-mi is a versatile gardening tool designed for leveling and digging in home and garden settings. Efficient Design: Its unique triangular blade shape allows for easy soil penetration and efficient leveling of garden beds or landscaping areas. Durable Construction: Crafted with sturdy materials, this tool ensures long-lasting performance and reliability.
Ergonomic Handle: The comfortable handle provides a secure grip, reducing hand fatigue during extended use. Compact Size: Its compact design makes it easy to maneuver in tight spaces and store when not in use.
Flat Soaker Hose 75 150 FT for Garden Beds
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Consistent & Even Watering Drip Irrigation Hose: Makes use of a clog-resistant fabric cover recycled vinyl for consistent slow soaking seep throughout its entire length. Deliver water to the entire area that it covers. Only certain areas of your garden bed getting watered. For waste-free watering in garden beds and other tight spaces. Waters the base of the plants so less water-related leaf damage. Linkable Garden Soaker Hose For DIY Irrigation System: End to end connectable drip water hose, flexible versatile Above-ground or bury it below a up to 3-inch layer of mulch or soil; this fit with garden hose threads and come with rust resistant end caps that make it possible to connect multiple hoses and works well with timers.
Maneuverability And 100% Environmentally Friendly Drip Hose: Double layer design PVC Covered With Extra-Strength Fabric material protect from sun damage than rubber weeping hose; ensure the longevity of the soaker hose, which is ideal for you using it regularly through all seasons in your garden. Made of 100% environmentally friendly recycled vinyl, pass CA65 test, water is safe for ground which makes it perfect for use with vegetables, herbs, and other edible plants. Easy To Store Flat Soaker Hose: This irrigation drip hose flat design is kink-resistant, lies flat makes it a breeze to roll up and store for next season.The flat shape also makes it simple to snake under existing plant growth. One-Year Warranty on Flat Soaker Hoses: Ensure a water pressure of 40-90 psi for best results—hot water is not suitable.
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