What's Wrong With My Compost?
I'll tell you a simple secret: Compost happens.
Things in nature decompose. That's just what they do. If you pile up some leaves and plant cuttings in the corner of your yard, they will break down naturally and you will have compost one day, whether you toss it every week or leave it alone. The difference will be the speed in which it happens, and the way the rest of nature reacts to your compost pile. Keep your compost pile moist and aerated by watering when dry, and turning when wet or stagnant. If your pile gets hot it will break down faster and will be less likely to have weed seeds or disease. If it stays cool, introduce worms and give it some more time to do its thing.
TROUBLE-SHOOTING
1. Compost pile not heating up: To achieve the ideal temperature for quick composting, and also to kill weed seeds, you need at least a 3′ x 3′ pile, with the right ratio of browns (about 70%) to greens (about 30%), plus sufficient air (toss the pile once a month) and water (slightly damp, not soaked). If your pile is not producing at the rate you want, you may need to adjust these components to get your desired results.
2. Compost pile just not breaking down: All garden debris will eventually decompose, if the pieces you include in the pile are too big, that might take a very long time. You can help it along by chopping up big stalks or branches and chopping leaves before adding them. Many people actually have a separate pile, such as a brush pile or hugelkultur bed, for larger debris like tree branches.
3. Smells and rodents: Tossing kitchen scraps in an open compost pile without burying them is an open invitation for every rat, squirrel, and raccoon in the vicinity to come for a feast. Make sure to cover food scraps with a thick layer of carbon each time you add to your pile. But even if you do bury them, some pests may still find their way to your pile. Investing in a closed, rodent-proof composter for your veggie and fruit peels is one solution. And, once again, balancing the greens and browns will also reduce odor.
4. Maggots: Disgusting though they might be, maggots -- the larva of flies – are generally considered harmless and may actually be beneficial (especially the larva of the black soldier fly) in helping reduce the volume of a manure pile. Some species, however, can be carriers of disease. Maggots thrive in excessive moisture, and if it’s a closed bin it bin without sun exposure, it’s very difficult to dry out. Mixing in dry high-carbon material such as shredded cardboard helps, as does adding bone meal.
5. Ants: Ants in the compost pile could be a sign that your compost is too dry. Sprinkling cinnamon or turmeric is one deterrent. Add water and make sure your ratio of browns and greens is balanced.
6. Worm bin gone bad: If your worm bin smells, it probably means you’re overfeeding them and need to cut back on the scraps. Another issue is worms that try to get out. This may be due to insufficient air (there should be air holes) or too much moisture that’s basically drowning them.