Better Than Shoveling: Aerate Your Compost Pile With An Easy-To-Use Tool

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There are numerous benefits to backyard composting, from waste reduction to improved plant health. While the process is generally simple, there are some steps you can't skip if you want to make your own DIY compost successfully. One of the most important steps is proper aeration. As the materials in your compost pile begin to break down, they release carbon dioxide, which can slow down decomposition and promote the growth of unwanted bacteria.

That's why turning your compost pile is a must: it relieves CO2 buildup. However, turning a big pile of decomposing organic waste is easier said than done. You can use a shovel, but it's labor-intensive and requires plenty of space to maneuver, particularly if you have to lift or move a lot of heavy compost. Luckily, there's an alternative that is way easier and arguably faster than a shovel: the EJOWX Stainless Steel Compost Aerator Tool.

This easy-to-use tool resembles a large corkscrew. You push the end into your compost pile and turn the handle clockwise to screw it into the organic matter. Jiggle it around a little, then pull it out — or screw it out counterclockwise if it's stuck. Shake or wipe off any stuck-on debris from the tool, then repeat the process several times until you've turned the whole pile. That's it! With minimal effort, you've aerated your compost, improving the flow of oxygen while mixing the top and bottom layers.

Keeping compost well aerated is crucial to efficient decomposition. EJWOX's purpose-designed aerator is more intuitive to use than other common compost turning tools, like shovels, pitchforks, and hand cultivators. Perhaps that's why this nifty tool currently has 4.7 out of 5 stars based on almost 80 global reviews on Amazon. Numerous reviewers have noted how fast and easy it makes the aeration process.

"I can do a 20-gallon garbage tub in 20 seconds," happy customer Ben Barclay wrote in their 5-star review, titled "Super Easy To Use!" Other buyers praised the fact that, no matter which composting method you choose as the best one for your garden, this tool will get the job done. As Amazon shopper SK wrote in their glowing review: "It makes turning compost so easy, especially in a bin!" Other purchasers said using it doesn't hurt their backs and that it's better than a pitchfork. It even allowed 84-year-old customer Dinah Steveni to continue composting after moving compost in and out of a pile with a pitchfork became too much for them.

The double-handled EJWOX compost aerator tool costs about $80, while the hook-handled version goes for around $38. These price tags may seem intimidating, but the products appear to be particularly durable. "The strong metal handle comes in two pieces that screw together tightly and does not weaken with use," purchaser AZ Travels wrote on Amazon. The only real downside to this tool is its length — it's too short to aerate compost piles over 5 feet deep.