Issues Frequently Encountered in Composting that could Ruin Your valuable Garden Organic Matter - along with Straightforward Solutions
Composting Gotcha's and How to Fix 'Em
- Stinkin' Stankin' Pile
Foul smells can be caused by overly wet or anaerobic conditions. To combat the whiff, be sure to turn your pile, adding shredded newspaper, leaves, or straw to soak up some of the moisture. Cover with a tarp if constant rain is the issue. If it reeks of ammonia, you're dealing with an overabundance of nitrogen. Adjust the ratio of compost greens and browns by adding more carbon materials, such as wood chips, sawdust, or paper, to the pile. Let the pile air out by spreading it out if possible.
- Oops, the Pile Ain't Heatin'
If the compost ain't heating up to the optimal temperature, there may be a lack of oxygen, nitrogen, moisture, size, or microorganisms. Check the moisture level by sticking your hand in the pile in various spots. If it's dry, add water and turn the pile. If it's still cold, bump up the nitrogen by adding manure to the pile. If the pile is too small, add more browns and greens to give it some size. Make sure microorganisms can reach the compost pile.
- Bugs, Bugs Everywhere
Certain bugs in your compost heap are cool – like fruit flies, fungus gnats, and slugs. They're just on the hunt for fruit or vegetable remnants. If they're a bother, bury the fruit scraps deeper in the center of the pile. Both fruit flies and fungus gnats are attracted to moisture, so try adding more carbon materials and airing out the pile. If you see loads of fungus gnats in your finished compost, let it dry in the sun before using it. Also, flies buzzing around could indicate inappropriate material such as meat, bones, dairy, grease, or fat. Remove these and keep 'em out in future. Black soldier flies are also beneficial to the compost pile and don't carry disease. If pillbugs and sowbugs invade, heat up the pile above 120°F (49°C) to send 'em packing.
- Rootin' 'Round in the Pile
If tiny clear worms, aka pot worms, are bugging you, just cut back on the water in your pile. If you notice vegetables growing in your compost pile, recognize 'em as potential garden seedlings if they're prized, or weed out the non-desirables.
- Pile's Attractin' Critters
If unwanted animals like rodents, raccoons, or dogs are sniffin' around your compost heap, they're likely scenting meat, bones, dairy, fats, or other undesirables. Bury these hidden deeper in the center of the pile. If you reside in bear country, it's best to not add any food waste to your compost pile.
- Leaves and Grass Not Breakin' Down
If leaves or grass clippings aren't decomposing, they might've matted down. No worries, just mix 'em up when you turn the pile and they'll be slowly compostin' in no time.
- Dry Pile
If your pile ain't moist, it won't heat up and may transform into anaerobic conditions. Add water and turn the pile to thoroughly re-wet the pile. Aim for a consistently moist pile. During dry spells, make sure to wet the pile regularly.
- Slime Mold Throwin' Down
Don't freak out upon seeing a slime mold in your compost bin. These pesky dudes are typically harmless and aid in breaking down debris along with billions of microorganisms.
- Can't Turn the Pile, Guys?
If you're not able or willing to turn the pile, there's no shame. A few tips: chop up any large material into smaller pieces, mix the greens and browns as you layer, water as you go, and sprinkle a few handfuls of soil or compost on top to encourage microorganisms. With these tips, you'll still be able to make your compost work, albeit it may take longer.
Composting Tips for Rookies
- Pick yourself a comfy spot in the yard to set up your compost bin or pile. While close to a water source is ideal, any spot will do after you've read these pro tips.
- By creating layers of carbon materials (browns) and nitrogen materials (greens), you'll speed up the decomposition process, turning plant matter into organic material in just a few months. Examples of browns include dry leaves, shredded paper, non-corrugated cardboard, sawdust, dry grass, woody prunings, straw, and pine needles. Greens consist of fruit and vegetable waste, grass clippings, coffee grounds, coffee filters, tea bags, and livestock manure.
- Start off with a layer of sticks for ventilation. Then, alternate layers of browns and greens to create a height of 3 feet. Sprinkle a few handfuls of garden soil to introduce the microorganisms when you're finished layering.
- Keep the pile moist, but not overly wet. If rain is expected, you can cover the pile with a tarp. When you're ready, turn the pile every three to four weeks to maintain its oxygen levels and temperature. If it doesn't heat up, simply add more greens or water.
So there you have it, folks! Happy compostin'!
Sources:
- Improve Compost Temperature to Speed Up the Composting Process
- How to Achieve Hot and Resilient Compost
- The Secret to Rotting Leaves
- 4 Secrets of a Perfect Compost Pile
- Composting: Tips and Tricks for the Beginner
- To incorporate 'home-and-garden' and 'gardening' into the text, one could write:
- Start off by setting up your compost bin or pile in a designated area of your home-and-garden, creating a space that both speeds up the decomposition process and enriches your gardening soil.
- To include 'lifestyle', one could write:
- In addition to the various organic materials that can be found in your lifestyle, such as coffee grounds or tea bags, fruit and vegetable waste can also contribute to a successful compost pile.
