Do you have outdoor composting problems ?
Is the pile smelly?
It could be that that the pile does not get enough oxygen so turning the pile on a regular basis should alleviate this problem. You might find using a compost turner or aerator is helpful for turning the contents. The smell may be a result of a pile that is too wet and in that case add some brown or carbon rich materials such as leaves, shredded paper or straw.
Are materials clumping together and not composting?
Avoid putting in large amounts of wet materials such as grass clippings which may make the pile wet and slimy and clump together. Layer the contents so that there is a balance between the brown and green material.
Does the pile have an ammonia smell?
More carbon is need so add materials like dry leaves or shredded paper, straw etc.
Is the pile attracting rodents and small animals?
Rodents and small animals will be attracted to meat products which should not be added to a compost pile or compost bin. Other kitchen scraps from fruit and vegetables may be too close to the top of the pile so in that case burying them deeper into the pile will solve the problem. If rodents continue to be a problem it may be necessary to change to an enclosed bin rather than a pile.
Is the pile very dry?
This is a simple fix, just add some water but not too much just dampen the pile, when it is being turned. Ensure that green materials is added.
The problems and solutions above are common outdoor composting problems. If you have a composting problem that is proving difficult to fix send an email.
This post is part of a group blogging project where we all created a blog post to include the word “outdoor.” Here are the posts from the group.
Jackie Stenhouse http://www.cakedecoratingf
Lisa Wood http://www.newlifeontheroa
Janet Littlehales http://raisinggreatkidsblo
Renee Allert http://weekendgetawayideas
Renee Allert http://personalfitnessequi
Rita Pepper http://totaltravelexperien
Lisa Wood http://lisashealthylifesty
Kerry Lea http://parksinsydney.com/t
John Davis http://manifestingeveryday
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks for some great tips on composting – I was wondering what I could do to keep the small animals out. I don’t put any meat in there, but they still come. So – thanks for the great help!
Renee
Renee recently posted..Organizing A Girls Weekend Getaway
Thanks Renee
If you still have animals going to the compost pile, make sure that any food scraps are well buried. They can be persistent though.
We don’t have outdoor composting problems any more, but we did when we first got it. Our problem then was one of the things you high-lighted – not adding water.
When I add veggie waste to the compost now, I always add a bit of water at the same time. It’s made all the difference.
One ‘problem’ you didn’t mention (although it’s probably a good thing really) is the face full of fruit flies I get attacked by when I open the lid to add more waste
Jan Littlehales recently posted..Top 10 Outdoor Activities for kids
Hi Jan
It is really difficult if not impossible to win the fruit fly battle. Covering any veggie waste with some browns amy help a little.
Compost King recently posted..Outdoor composting problems
I have never made a compost heap but have been going to for years since gardening is one of my favourite things to do. I think I am worried about it going rotten and smelly but you have given great tips on having a nice healthy outdoor compost heap.
Jackie Stenhouse recently posted..Outdoor Party Decorations
Maybe you will make a compost pile one day Jackie. Glad you found the tips useful.
Compost King recently posted..Outdoor composting problems
Thanks for the tips, Years ago we had a compost bin and mainly grass clippings went into it. We never turned it or added water, I can now see where we went wrong.
Hi Kerry
The compost bin can be a convenient place to put all the grass clippings. If you have a small pile of clippings it wouldn’t be a problem. Layering is the key.
Compost King recently posted..Outdoor composting problems
Interesting reading through the solutions to composing problems. I add the grass clippings to my garden, however there are still other things I can add to the compost heap. My husband is keen to put one together, I will have to send him here for some tips. Thanks.
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