Composting is an effective process of turning your household refuse and other organic matter into a nutrient-rich product for your soil. Unfortunately, the composting process can take months to give you that yummy compost your soil craves. Fortunately, we're going to help you get the best compost accelerator to speed up this process.
Compost accelerators are some of the tools you can use to accelerate the composting process, and we're going to look at the best in the market along with their pros and cons.
Whether you're a passionate gardener, farmer, or just a person looking to put their household waste to good use, these compost accelerators are the best thing to happen to you.
What Is A Compost Accelerator?
A compost accelerator or a compost starter is a product you add to your compost pile or into your compost bin to speed up the decomposition process. A typical compost accelerator has a good combination of microorganisms and nutrients, and we'll help you find the best compost accelerator today.
One of the most important elements to look for when getting the right compost starter for you is that it has 100% organic content. If you must have a few synthetics in your compost starter, ensure that the content doesn't exceed 20%.
We considered this while compiling this list and other important factors that we'll look at later in this article.
For now, let's dive into the best compost accelerators for your gardening and landscaping needs.
5 Best Compost Accelerators
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1. Jobe's Organics Fast-Acting Compost Starter
- Organic compost starter with Biozome; Speeds up the composting process; Ideal for compost piles
- OMRI listed for organic gardening by USDA;
- Jobe’s Biozome.the proprietary microorganism archaea that aggressively breaks down organic material for faster...
- Jobe’s Biozome improves soil conditions, and drought during the growing season
- Easy pour bag; Guaranteed fertilizer analysis: (4-4-2) 4 pound bag; Apply every 4 to 6 weeks
Last update on 2023-11-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Starting us off is this compost accelerator that we are so in love with. First, the microorganism component that includes a unique Archaea species, mycorrhizal fungi, and bacteria makes this compost starter extremely fast-acting.
So, not only does it only have organic materials in its composition, but it is also the fastest-acting compost starter on this list.
If speed is a factor for you, get this compost starter for your compost pile or compost bin right now. It is our first choice on this list because we're always seen results with it, and it works extremely fast. In fact, if we didn't have to give you other options to choose from, we would end this article right here.
Image Source: outdoorsupplyhardware.com
The best way to use Jobe's Organics compost starter is to sprinkle two cups of it for each cubic yard of compost. Remember to cover your compost pile to increase the rate of the composting process.
Moisture is a necessary ingredient to the composting process and will allow the microorganisms to decompose the organic material faster.
Another thing worth mentioning with this compose starter is that it has Jobe's Biozome improves the condition of your garden soil and helps it resist diseases to allow for a seamless growing season.
You should start to see results within 3 weeks of application. This cannot be said for many compost starters.
Pros
Cons
2. GreenPig Compost Accelerator
- Contains beneficial bacteria that accelerate the natural composting process
- Converts yard waste to fertile humus in as little as 30 days
- Helps control odors associated with compost piles
- Each dissolvable tablet treats 9 Cubic Feet of compost
Last update on 2023-11-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The GreenPig compost accelerator is unique in a number of ways, including the fact that it reduces odor in your compost piles, turns your yard waste into humus, and introduces bacteria into your waste to accelerate the composting process.
The fact that this compost accelerator is composed of useful bacteria that are found naturally in the soil is another favorite thing about it. This means that we're getting the same healthy bacteria found in our soil, just in increased quantities, for a faster composting process.
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For best results, dissolve one packet of this compost accelerator into a maximum of 2 gallons of water and pour the solution onto 9 cubic feet of compost material. The compost accelerator will create humus inside your compost piles, which will be great for your soil.
Pros
Cons
3. All Seasons Bokashi Compost Starter
- SCD Probiotics All Seasons Dry Bokashi – A chemical free way to kickstart the composting process, seal in more...
- Compost Starter – Give a powerful boost to your compost health by starting it with our natural blend of fermented...
- Easy To Use – Regularly add dry bokashi to kitchen food scrap bin or outdoor compost tumbler to get cleaner...
- Household Odors – A nontoxic solution for common household odors. Sprinkle bokashi into your kitchen trash can,...
- SCD Probiotics – We’re passionate about bringing the benefits of probiotic science to your personal wellbeing &...
Last update on 2023-11-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Our third option is most suited for compost made from your organic kitchen waste. So, for example, if you have a kitchen garden and enjoy using your peels and other organic refuse from your kitchen in your garden but want to speed up the composting process, this is for you.
Image Source: gardenshop.symbiop.com
This compost accelerator does a great job of breaking down our organic waste to make it more nutritious for our garden soil. The fact that this compost accelerator reduces compost odor makes it perfect to use in the compost bin outside our kitchen.
We can easily add any refuse from the kitchen into the compost bin, and this All Seasons compost starter will ensure that there's no smell.
Pros
Cons
4. Espoma Organic Traditions Compost Starter
- FOR USE ON: Add to the compost pile or tumbler to make rich compost, nature’s original soil conditioner
- CONTAINS: Contains ingredients specially cultured to speed the decomposition of difficult to compost organic...
- WHEN TO USE: Add Compost Starter any time you are adding organic materials to the compost maker. Use a simple ratio...
- ORGANIC GARDENING: Contains a rich blend of only the finest natural ingredients. No synthetic plant foods or...
- MADE IN THE USA: Product of the Espoma Company. The leader in natural organics since 1929
Last update on 2023-11-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Espoma Company has been around since 1929 and specializes in fertilizers. Therefore, you can expect that they know what they're talking about when it comes to compost starters.
This compost starter is pet-friendly, contains natural organic compounds, and can easily be sprinkled on your compost pile.
We find that using one cup of this compost starter for 16 square feet of compost material is sufficient to give you results.
Check out our guide on how much compost you need per square foot of soil for more information on using your compost.
Image Source: kleinsfloral.com
The trick to getting results from this compost starter is to use it after every layer of your organic material. So, for example, we always add a layer of this compost accelerator after we add a new layer of compost to the bin.
We've also found that regularly turning the compost and adding some moisture helps speed up the process. However, you must follow the instructions to the letter to get the best results.
Pros
Cons
5. Compost-It Compost Accelerator
- Starter and accelerator to create nutrient-rich compost in just 4 weeks
- Suitable for all composting systems and worm farms
- Over 60 different active ingredients, fast, effective and easy to use
- Reduces unpleasant and unhealthy odors, perfect for kitchen scrap bins
- Chemical and poison free - safe and natural activator, booster and enhancer
Last update on 2023-11-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Finally, we have this compost starter that is perfect for all types of composting, including compost bins, piles, drums, tumblers, and more.
Like the other compost starters on this list, this option is 100% organic and is perfect for your garden because you don't have to worry about having synthetic substances.
Image Source: whizz.co.ke
The unique blend of microorganisms in this compost starter makes it perfect to work on all organic materials in your compost pile, including leaves, grass, kitchen scraps, and more.
However, we don't recommend adding cooked food to your compost because you risk attracting vermin if you do. We'll look at this factor a bit more in the next chapter.
Pros
Cons
Considerations When Choosing the Best Compost Starters
Here are some crucial factors to consider when choosing a compost activator that will suit your needs.
1. Organic Components
One of the greatest factors when choosing a good compost accelerator is that it should consist of only natural components.
Even if you decide to get an organic starter with some synthetic or chemical components, ensure they are minimal and won’t damage your compost or soil.
This is always a crucial factor for us, which is why all of the options we’ve provided for you are 100% organic.
Speaking of components, have you ever wondered if you can put garlic in compost? If you have, check out this article on garlic in compost for the answer.
2. Speed
The whole point of getting a compost accelerator is to speed up the composting process. Therefore, you want one that will save you time and allow you to use your compost quickly.
However, not all compost accelerators work at the same rate. Some will save you weeks, while others will save you days. Therefore, it’s up to you to choose the compost accelerator that suits your needs.
If the speed of composting is the most important factor for you, consider going with our first pick, Jobe’s Organics Fast-Acting Compost Starter, your best option. We’ve found it to be the best compost starter on the market, with the added advantage of being incredibly fast-acting.
3. Volume of Active Ingredients
One of the measures of a good compost starter is an abundance of active bacteria ingredients in its makeup. After all, it’s the bacteria that speeds up the composting process.
Therefore, check to see the type and amount of active bacteria in your compost starter before adding it to your compost pile.
4. Composition
Some compost starters have one ingredient, while others have several. Knowing how the multiple ingredients will affect the composting process and, later on, your soil is important.
5. Nitrogen Ingredients
A good amount of nitrogen in your compost starter will boost the work of the bacteria. Other elements to check include Magnesium and Calcium.
6. Cost
We always have to discuss cost when looking at factors because you need to get value for your money.
So, when considering getting a compost starter, ensure that you get one that will meet your composting needs. This means stating your priorities and getting a compost accelerator that meets them.
For example, if you want a compost starter that will reduce odor, speed up the composting process, and add value to your soil, choose a starter that meets all three.
If you get a compost starter that doesn’t reduce compost odor, you might not get value for your money, even if it costs less than another compost starter made to reduce odor.
7. Efficacy
You definitely want a compost accelerator that will do the job. So, how can you find out if it will before buying it?
Lucky for you, we’ve made this easy by researching and curating a list of the best compost starters in the market. All you have to do now is read through our options above and choose the compost starter that best suits your needs.
You could also check the customer reviews on the compost starters you’re considering to get more information.
Why Should You Use A Compost Starter?
The good thing about compost starters is that they are optional for your compost pile. You can still get good results from your compost pile without using a compost accelerator.
So, why should you use one? Here are some benefits of using a compost accelerator.
1. Speeds Up Composting Process
This is the number one reason why we use a compost accelerator for our compost pile. A typical composting process can take months. However, we get to reduce that time to about 21 days when we use one of the high-quality compost accelerators we’ve mentioned above.
Therefore, if you’re eager to add your compost to the soil and don’t feel like waiting for months, we recommend using a compost starter.
2. Reduces Compost Odor
We love our compost and what it does to the soil. However, the compost odor can be intolerable, especially when we have our compost pile or compost bin near our house.
If this is the case for you too, getting a compost starter that also reduces compost odor will be a win for you.
Our third pick above, the All Seasons Bokashi Compost Starter, does a great job of this while still giving you other benefits of using a compost starter.
3. Improves Compost Quality
Another great thing about compost accelerators is that they add useful elements that aid in the breakdown of organic matter in your compost.
This speeds up the composting process and adds necessary nutrients to your compost and, eventually, to your garden soil.
Remember to take care of your garden soil for the best results while using your compost. Check out our article on the frequency of replacing your garden soil for extra tips on garden soil health.
4. Offers Convenience
Compost accelerators can add useful nutrients and bacteria to your compost in one fell swoop. This means that you won’t have to buy beneficial compost microbes and nutrients separately to add to your compost pile.
So, you get to increase the rate of composting and increase the nutrients in your compost with one product.
Final Take
The best compost accelerator is Jobe’s Organics Fast-Acting Compost Starter, which works extremely fast, it’s easy to apply, adds nutrients to your soil, and contains only organic elements.
The latter is one of our favorite things about this compost accelerator because you don’t have to worry about adding chemicals or other synthetic elements to your compost and soil.
Therefore, look no further than this compost activator if your priority is speed and good quality.
Remember to consider the factors we’ve discussed above before choosing a compost accelerator for the best results.
