How to Sift Compost

Making your own compost is easy. Compost is decomposed plant material that provides nutrients and organic matter to the soil. It can also be useful for loosening the soil, making it easier for plants to grow strong, deep roots. Compost is easy to make right in your own back yard, using a large wooden bin, or a special compost container for food scraps. You will not have to purchase any more expensive bags of compost.

Things You'll Need

• Compost container
• Pitchfork
• Shovel
• Wheelbarrow
• 1/2 inch screen about 3 feet square
• Gloves

Instructions

1. Place a tarp on the ground alongside the compost container. Place a wheelbarrow nearby as well, or other container into which you want to sift the compost. Cover the top of the wheelbarrow with the screen so that it extends over the sides of the wheelbarrow. The screen does not have to be framed, but framing makes it easier to handle.

2. Remove the waste on the top that has not yet decomposed, using a pitchfork. Put it aside on the tarp. Once you reach the more decomposed material, use a shovel to scoop it onto the screen.

3. Run the compost back and forth across the screen, using your hands and letting the small pieces sift through. Throw the larger chunks back onto the tarp.

4. Take the compost to the desired location in your yard or garden when the wheelbarrow is full, or bag it for later use.

5. Put the larger scraps back into the bin when you are finished sifting the compost. They will be ready to sift again in a year or so.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a designated food composting container for food waste to avoid attracting animals.

• For yard waste, do not add in invasive, poisonous plants or diseased plants. Place those in your municipal trash.

• For food compost, do not put fats, dairy or meats into the compost.

References

• Homemade Compost Sifter Screen Sieve
• Composting for Sustainable Organic Gardening