Troubleshooting the Compost Pile

Compost Troubleshooting Tips

Compost pile won't heat up The materials may be too dry. ...
Soggy CompostDense or water-logged compost piles don't contain enough oxygen for the microorganisms to survive. ...
Smelly CompostIf your pile smells like ammonia, it may contain too much nitrogen. ...
Finished product is too coarse.

Why is my compost not breaking down?
Why is my compost pile not heating up?
How do you reset a compost pile?
How do I know if my compost pile is working?
Should there be maggots in my compost?
What will make compost break down faster?
How do I heat up my compost pile?
How often should I turn my compost pile?
What is a good compost activator?
How do you reset a cold compost pile?
How do you save a compost pile?
How long does it take for compost to turn to soil?

Why is my compost not breaking down?

If your pile isn't getting enough air, make sure your compost bin is ventilated and you're turning the pile regularly — whether it's in a bin or not. Aeration is essential. Even if it's getting enough airflow on the top, the oxygen supply at the bottom gets depleted in time.

Why is my compost pile not heating up?

Your compost will not heat up if it is too wet, too dry, too big, or too small. A compost pile will also not heat up properly if it is lacking nitrogen, air (oxygen), or bacteria. As you can see, there are a lot of things that can slow down the composting process.

How do you reset a compost pile?

If your pile is dry, consider adding water to get it moist. Add brown and green carbon and nitrogen-source material to the pile. In general, add three-parts carbon material to one-part nitrogen. Bhalsod recommends adding three buckets of brown material to every bucket of greens you add.

How do I know if my compost pile is working?

There are no worms or bugs in the pile.

A healthy compost should have a plethora of worms, mites, and mycelium visible if you were to turn it over with a pitch fork. If the compost bin is new and without another compost close by, it will take a longer period of time for those microorganisms to move in.

Should there be maggots in my compost?

Answer ONE! Maggots are not going to hurt your compost, but they may be a sign that your balance of green materials/brown materials is off. ... If it is too wet or has too much green material (food waste, grass, fresh leaves) in relation to brown, it can become slimy and rotten smelling and attract lots of maggots.

What will make compost break down faster?

Turning the pile frequently allows more oxygen to the microorganisms that are creating your compost, which in turn accelerates decomposition. Aerating it every couple of days will create compost faster than aerating it weekly. Water the pile in dry weather to keep it damp, but not soggy.

How do I heat up my compost pile?

Throw a shovelful of dirt into your compost pile and mix the dirt in some. The bacteria found in the dirt will multiply and start helping the material in the compost pile break down and, thus, heat up the compost pile.

How often should I turn my compost pile?

By turning more frequently (about every 2-4 weeks), you will produce compost more quickly. Waiting at least two weeks allows the center of the pile to heat up and promotes maximum bacterial activity. The average composter turns the pile every 4-5 weeks.

What is a good compost activator?

"Natural" Activators

Suitable greens will have a high nitrogen value and be 'easy' for the composting microbes to breakdown. The “natural” activators include: Green Plants, e.g. comfrey, clover, grass clippings, nettles, or alfalfa.

How do you reset a cold compost pile?

Turn the compost with a pitchfork, incorporating water into the pile as you do so. Shower the pile using a large watering can or a light spray of a garden hose each time you turn over a new layer of material, so that the water is evenly distributed.

How do you save a compost pile?

Here are some suggestions to remedy the situation:

Cover any open compost pile. A compost pile should be moist but not soggy. ...
Add fine carbon material which will decompose quickly. ...
Turn or fork the compost. ...
Add a nitrogen activator.

How long does it take for compost to turn to soil?

Decomposition will be complete anywhere from two weeks to two years depending on the materials used, the size of the pile, and how often it is turned. Compost is ready when it has cooled, turned a rich brown color, and has decomposed into small soil-like particles.