• Originally published March 9, 2010 at midnight, updated March 10, 2010 at 8:30 p.m.

I have devoted a lot of column space to the whys and hows of composting, from the types of bins to what should and should not be tossed into your pile.

Now, on to the good stuff: helping your pile break down quickly, and how to use the finished product.

In order for all the elements to break down rapidly, the compost pile will need to be turned; recommendations range from turning weekly to monthly.

I turn my compost pile about every four weeks during warmer months and then largely neglect it in the winter. This is only because I am not a big fan of temperatures below 70 degrees and just don't spend much time outside if I can help it.

My pile still breaks down, but it would certainly speed up the process during the colder months if I would give the pile more attention.

Turning your compost pile accelerates the decomposition process by adding oxygen and allowing the mixture to heat up.

To turn the pile you will need either a pitchfork or a shovel. The portions on the inside of the pile break down more quickly than those on the outside, so be sure to mix everything well, moving stuff from the outside of the pile to the inside and vice versa.

As a general rule, the more often the pile is turned, the faster the components break down into finished compost.

Remember to water your compost pile to maintain the right level of moisture.

After a few months you will notice that the bottom of the pile is beginning to look like dirt. Congratulations, you now have finished compost, which you will recognize by its dark brown color and earthy scent.

You will not be able to recognize individual components like leaves or food scraps if everything has successfully broken down.

Now it is time to reap the benefits of your hard work. Compost is an excellent soil conditioner and may be added to gardens, flower beds, potted plants, and lawns. You can also sift it through a half-inch screen and use fine compost in seed starting mixtures.

Compost is most beneficial when added to a garden or flower bed before anything is planted. Spread a 3- to 4-inch layer of finished compost over the garden, then work into the top 6 inches of soil using a tiller. To use compost on a lawn, spread it over the lawn with a shovel and work into a thin layer, no more than a half-inch to avoid smothering the grass, with a rake.

Compost can also be turned into a liquid fertilizer by brewing compost tea. For the tea bag, fill an old pillowcase with finished compost, tying off the open end, and place in a barrel filled with water. Swish the bag around for a few minutes and then leave it in the barrel to steep for a few days. Nutrients from the compost will collect in the water.

Once the tea has finished brewing you can spray or pour it on to your plants. The same bag can be used to make several batches of tea.

Meridith Byrd is a marine biologist and invites read ers to contact her at meridith.byrd@gmail.com.

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