Do I Need to Turn the Compost? How Often Should I Do It?

‍The simple truth about turning your compost

If you're just getting started with composting, one piece of advice you’ve probably come across is that you need to “turn your compost regularly.”

But what does that actually mean? Why is it important? And how often do you really need to do it and how long does it take?

In this blog, we’re breaking down the role of turning your compost and giving you practical, no-fuss guidance that works for UK gardens - big or small.

Why Turn Compost?

Turning compost doesn’t mean mixing from top to bottom as this can spoil the delicate layers of decomposition already happening, and could mean a lot of work. Essentially there are 3 stages of composting:

The Mesophilic phase (which lasts about 3 days)

The top layer where you add your green and brown waste (and bulking material). Within the Biolan Quick Composter 220 Eco, this is where the turning / mixing takes place - but only within the top 30cm of materials mixed with your newly added waste and bulking material.

The Thermophilic Phase (lasting around 2 weeks to 2 months)

The middle layer where the microbes in the composter get to work breaking down materials, creating heat (and doing useful things like killing pathogens and other dangerous micro organisms).

The Maturation Phase (lasting several months)

The bottom layer (and most mature layer) can be used as top soil after approximately 3 months or as mature compost, after around 12 months.

Mixing the contents of your bin or pile is a means to introduce oxygen. It helps break down materials faster and more evenly by:

✅ Feeding aerobic microbes - these are the good guys that need air to thrive
✅ Preventing bad smells - less chance of anaerobic (airless) zones that cause odour problems
✅ Balancing moisture - turning helps redistribute dry and wet areas
✅ Breaking up clumps - making it easier for materials to decompose

Turning isn’t always mandatory for all composts - but it’s definitely something we would recommend if you want faster results and a healthier composting process. You may also choose to add a compost accelerator (webshop link).

How Often Should I Turn the Compost?

If you are using an Biolan Quick Composter 220 Eco or an Eco Composter 500 - hardly at all. The specially designed air exchange system and the bulking material keep the compost mass airy. You only need to mix the top layers at intervals to a depth of 30cm.

There is an adjustable air valve in these composters which can be altered to suit hot or cold weather conditions.

If you have an open top compost or a containerwithout ventilation then it makes sense to turn your compost to stop:

·      the mixture turning too moist if it is open tothe elements

·      the compost becoming too dense  if it has no internal air vent system.

🔄 1-2 weeks is ideal if you want quick, high-quality compost.
🕐 Once a month is still beneficial and totally fine for more relaxed composting.
🌱 Not at all? That’s OK too - it just means your compost will take longer (6–12 months or more) and may lead to some odours but nothing too drastic.

If you're using a traditional heap or bin, turning with a fork or aerator every couple of weeks is a good habit. But if that sounds like a hassle, there are compost tumblers on the market to make life easier.

Composting Without Turning: Is It Still Effective?

Yes - especially if you’re in no rush. This is called cold composting and it’s a great low-maintenance option.

However, it comes with a few trade-offs:

• It takes longer (6-12 months or more)
• You might get uneven breakdown
• There’s a slightly higher chance of smell or pests if you don’t balance materials carefully

If you’re composting in a small UK garden, or want compost faster, turning becomes much more valuable.