Harvesting your compost using the Patta Kambha

Shown above is the Unit C filled with semi-composted material. This material will take some more time to compost fully. As mentioned earlier - you can transfer this into the Leave-It Pot or into any other container that allows aeration. Emptying your Unit C of Kambha makes it possible to start using it for dumping fresh waste again.

From semi-composted to completely composted

Once you have set aside a pile of semi-composted material in a separate container, it can take from 45 - 90 days to completely compost. The composting period is dependent on many factors - moisture content, aeration, composition of matter and weather. But eventually compost will happen - so do not worry!

How do you know when your compost is fully ready

It should be dark in colour and smell like freshly dug earth and should be a little moist. It is now ready to be passed through a sieve (like the one shown on the right). Fully composted material when passed through a sieve will look like the picture shown below. Leave this to air for another 5 days before using it in the garden. This is just a precautionary measure. Very sensitive plants may be overwhelmed with fresh compost. (Overdose of tonic!) Compost must be used appropriately.

Check with your ‘maali’ for good gardening advice or call us!

All large particles that remain after sieving can be added to the fresh waste. This acts as natural accelerator.