Uploaded December 2025 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Joanna asked a great question: how finely should you chop your carbon materials, and why do some pieces in compost piles take so long to break down? In this Q&A, Geoff walks us through real compost piles, showing the process from fresh brown and green materials to rich, life-filled soil. He explains why some stubborn chunks and matted roots remain, how climate affects decomposition, and why the true value of compost isn’t just texture—it’s the billions of microorganisms it brings to your garden.
Geoff’s Online Permaculture Design Course includes weekly video Q&A sessions where he answers student questions. This one comes from the 2019 archive. Learn more about Geoff’s online courses at https://www.discoverpermaculture.com.
Key Takeaways:
- Large chunks and woody material take longer to break down; climate, moisture, and heat affect decomposition rates.
- Even compost with small unbroken pieces is full of life and nutrients—it’s a living ecosystem, not just a soil amendment.
- Frequent turning (e.g., 3x per week) and maintaining moisture helps accelerate decomposition in medium-sized piles.
- In cold climates, composting may require protection like a glasshouse or plastic cover to maintain heat and microbial activity.
- For fine-seeded plants, compost can be sieved to create a smooth potting mix, but larger particles are fine for general soil improvement.
- True compost is colloidal, with particles under 15 microns and millions of microorganisms, making it a “living inoculum” for your garden.
To support us in creating more videos:
► Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/geofflawtononline
► Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/geofflawtononline
► Subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCL_r1ELEvAuN0peKUxI0Umw/?sub_confirmation=1
► And most importantly, enjoy your permaculture journey!
About Geoff:
Geoff is a world-renowned permaculture consultant, designer and teacher who has established demonstration sites in many of the world’s major climates. He’s dedicated his life to sharing permaculture design and inspiring people to care for the earth, care for each other and return the surplus.
About Permaculture:
Permaculture weaves land, resources, people and the environment into a single, supportive system. It mirrors how nature works—no waste, no shortcuts, just smart relationships. The tools are wide-ranging: water harvesting, soil building, energy systems, forestry, natural building, aquaculture, appropriate technology, community development and more. Whether you’re on acreage or in an apartment, these principles scale beautifully.
#permaculture #composting #organicgardening #soilhealth #gardentips #sustainableliving #compostpile #gardeninglife #soilfoodweb #growyourown #ecofriendly #gardenhacks #healthysoil #microorganisms #composttips
Joanna asked a great question: how finely should you chop your carbon materials, and why do some pieces in compost piles take so long to break down? In this Q&A, Geoff walks us through real compost piles, showing the process from fresh brown and green materials to rich, life-filled soil. He explains why some stubborn chunks and matted roots remain, how climate affects decomposition, and why the true value of compost isn’t just texture—it’s the billions of microorganisms it brings to your garden.
Geoff’s Online Permaculture Design Course includes weekly video Q&A sessions where he answers student questions. This one comes from the 2019 archive. Learn more about Geoff’s online courses at https://www.discoverpermaculture.com.
Key Takeaways:
- Large chunks and woody material take longer to break down; climate, moisture, and heat affect decomposition rates.
- Even compost with small unbroken pieces is full of life and nutrients—it’s a living ecosystem, not just a soil amendment.
- Frequent turning (e.g., 3x per week) and maintaining moisture helps accelerate decomposition in medium-sized piles.
- In cold climates, composting may require protection like a glasshouse or plastic cover to maintain heat and microbial activity.
- For fine-seeded plants, compost can be sieved to create a smooth potting mix, but larger particles are fine for general soil improvement.
- True compost is colloidal, with particles under 15 microns and millions of microorganisms, making it a “living inoculum” for your garden.
To support us in creating more videos:
► Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/geofflawtononline
► Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/geofflawtononline
► Subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCL_r1ELEvAuN0peKUxI0Umw/?sub_confirmation=1
► And most importantly, enjoy your permaculture journey!
About Geoff:
Geoff is a world-renowned permaculture consultant, designer and teacher who has established demonstration sites in many of the world’s major climates. He’s dedicated his life to sharing permaculture design and inspiring people to care for the earth, care for each other and return the surplus.
About Permaculture:
Permaculture weaves land, resources, people and the environment into a single, supportive system. It mirrors how nature works—no waste, no shortcuts, just smart relationships. The tools are wide-ranging: water harvesting, soil building, energy systems, forestry, natural building, aquaculture, appropriate technology, community development and more. Whether you’re on acreage or in an apartment, these principles scale beautifully.
#permaculture #composting #organicgardening #soilhealth #gardentips #sustainableliving #compostpile #gardeninglife #soilfoodweb #growyourown #ecofriendly #gardenhacks #healthysoil #microorganisms #composttips
![Primary Nutrients for Plants [PDC Preview]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/JJNBsFxPEJ8/mqdefault.jpg "Primary Nutrients for Plants [PDC Preview]
Primary Nutrients for Plants [PDC Preview]")
