Turn compost and sift

In open compost heaps, the rotting process can be disturbed by too much wetness and turn into rot. To avoid this, as well as the leaching of nutrients by heavy winter precipitation, the compost should be covered in late autumn.

Fall foliage in autumn is a natural winter protection for plants and soil, as it forms a protective, warming and, in addition, nourishing layer through decomposition. It should therefore be left between perennials and shrubs, but removed from lawns or walkways and composted.

During periods of heat without precipitation in the summer, it may happen that the compost, freshly applied in the spring, becomes too dry. This can be recognized by a cracked surface and crumbly structure of the material as well as the appearance of ants. Countermeasures must be taken to prevent the rainworms and compost worms, which are important for the decomposition processes, from retreating and the rotting process from coming to a standstill.