Composting is one of the simplest and most successful ways to create nutrient-rich soil (and plants) for your garden.
But, if you're like me, you probably forgot to create your compost over the winter/early spring, and who are in a time crunch to prepare it.
And if that's the case, then the Berkeley Composting Method is what you'd want to use if you need it for your gardens quickly.
What Is The Berkeley Composting Method?
The Berkeley Method—also referred to as the “18-Day Compost”—was created by Dr. Robert D. Raabe at the University of California, Berkeley during the 1970s.
Dr. Raabe was a plant pathologist who invented this approach to give a quicker, more efficient manner of composting while also guaranteeing that the hazardous bacteria and weed seeds within also got killed off.
The outcome was a nutrient-rich composting method ready to use in only a few weeks. A pretty sharp contrast to traditional processes that can take several months.
5 Principles Before Starting The Berkeley Method
Before diving into the details, I want to quickly highlight some of the core principles that make the Berkeley Method work:
1. Having A High Temperature
When creating your compost pile, you want to make sure that it is kept at a high temperature.
Usually, you're trying to shoot between 135°F and 160°F, (or 57°C and 71°C) in order to decompose quickly.
This heat is required to eliminate hazardous bacteria and weed seeds simultaneously with speeding up the breakdown of the organic material.
2. Making Sure To Be Frequently Turning
When using the Berkeley Method, the compost pile must be turned every two days, which is pretty different in contrast to regular composting, where you turn the pile way less.
But by turning the pile frequently, you promotes oxygenation, which is necessary for aerobic microorganisms to flourish, and thus quickly break down your compost pile.
3. Carbon-to-Nitrogen Ratio
The right ratio of carbon-rich (browns) to nitrogen-rich (greens) materials is an essential part of any composting process.
The Berkeley Method uses a carbon to nitrogen ratio of roughly 25–30:1 to drive the composting process.
Browns: These materials are high in carbon and include cardboard, straw, dried leaves, and tiny twigs.
They help absorb excess moisture and provide the pile structure.
Greens: These high-nitrogen elements include plant trimmings, coffee grounds, fresh grass clippings, and leftover kitchen wastes.
The microbial activity required for breakdown is fueled by nitrogen.
4. Keeping That Pile Moist
Keeping the ideal moisture content is necessary for the best possible breakdown.
The pile ought to be moist, but not soggy, as a sponge that has been wrung out. Too much water will bring about anaerobic conditions, which produce foul odors and slow down the decomposition process.
Too little moisture can cause the process to stall altogether. So you always want to make sure that you are in that sweet spot of moist, but not completely dripping wet.
5. Compost Pile Size
The compost pile must be at least three feet broad, three feet deep, and three feet tall in order for the Berkeley Method to function properly.
This size is essential to produce and hold the heat needed for quick breakdown.
Smaller heaps might not be able to sustain the required high temperatures, which would cause the process to go more slowly.
How to Start the Berkeley Composting Method: A 4-Step Guide
Ready to give it a try? Here’s how to set up your own Berkeley composting system.
Step 1: Build Your Compost Pile
- Choose a Location: Find a well-drained location in your yard, or use a compost container.
To allow helpful bacteria to reach your compost pile from below, it is best to place it directly on the soil. - Layer Your Materials: To encourage aeration, start by applying a base layer of coarse carbon materials (browns), such as straw or small branches.
Next, apply a 4-6 inch thick layer of greens high in nitrogen, such as leftover kitchen scraps or grass clippings. To maintain moisture, keep switching between browns and greens and water down the pile as needed. - Cover the Pile: To keep the moisture and heat in, cover the pile once it has been constructed with a tarp or a layer of completed compost.
Step 2: Monitor the Temperature For A Few Days
Your compost pile will start to heat up within 24 to 48 hours after you build it.
Every day, check the temperature by inserting a compost thermometer into the center of the pile.
Try to stay between 135°F and 160°F.
To encourage microbial activity, you might need to turn the pile or add extra materials that are high in nitrogen if the temperature dips.
Turn the pile to cool it down a little if the temperature rises above 160°F to save the good bacteria from dying out.
You usually want to keep your pile this hot for about 3 days to make sure that everything you want killed off is killed off within the center of the pile.
Step 3: Turn the Pile Every Two Days
After you've had your pile heated up to temperature for 3 or so days, you'll want to flip the pile every 48ish hours with a pitchfork or garden fork.
Take the materials from the outside of the pile and put them in the center of the pile, and the inside of the pile to the outside/edges. This helps make sure that your entire pile gets properly heated and broken down, since everything makes it to the center multiple times.
Every time you do turn the pile, make sure to check the moisture content and add water as needed to keep it damp but not waterlogged.
Step 4: Compost in 18 Days
Keep on it for another eighteen days.
The pile will get smaller throughout this period as the organic stuff decomposes into rich, black compost.
The temperature of the pile will begin to decline toward the end of the cycle, signifying the end of the decomposition process.
The compost ought to smell earthy and be crumbly and black.
Fast, Thriving Compost Leads To A More Thriving Garden
Composting doesn’t have to be a long, drawn-out process.
By following the Berkeley Composting Method, you can create some fast, thriving, and nutrient-rich compost in just 18 days, giving your garden the boost it needs without the months of waiting.
Speaking of your garden, did you know that we compiled over 100 raised garden bed ideas for you to find what works best for you?
Whether you're young or old, love to create something with your hands, or just follow a more traditional path, we've got something inside for you.
Download our free guide 101 Garden Bed Ideas for more inspiration on how to design the perfect garden space that complements your fresh, nutrient-packed compost.
Your garden will thank you!
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Glad you liked it Dano!