Im new to composting and my pile looks like it is molding. Do I just need to turn it or have I wrecked it?

Question

This is mostly the kitchen scraps that have this problem

Answer 1

It's probably too wet. Is your pile in a bin, or just on the ground, exposed to the weather? Try adding some dry leaves if you have any, or empty the contents of your paper shredder bin into it. Then dig into it with a pitchfork or shovel and turn, turn, turn. Give it a week or two and see if that helps
Keep adding dry material as needed. It also helps to build a bed of dry branches first. This allows a little air to circulate. Good luck!

Answer 2

You're gonna get some conflicting advice on this. I've known people who've put everything but the kitchen sink in their compost and had no problems but generally speaking, if you're putting kitchen scraps in there, best to avoid any animal products or dairy. These tend to not only inhibit the cooking process but can also create soil diseases you do not want. Some people will say no carrot tops or potato peelings or onion skins. But if you're looking after your compost by turning it every so often you shouldn't have a problem. Add some straight nitrogen to get it really cooking, keep it moist but not soaked. Layering works well -- about 6"- 8" of soil, lawn clippings if you have them, inbetween your kitchen or garden waste. If you're using lawn clippings, that goes mouldy pretty fast but I've heard it's a good mould -- part of the decaying process. Some people use old newspapers for layering but then you have the complaint about the dyes and chemicals contaminating the pile. Do keep noxious weeds out of your compost though. They thrive in a healthy environment and will make using your compost in the garden a real hassle later on (clover, snap weeds, morning glory, horsetail, etc.) We take these particular weeds and remove them from the property here entirely.

Answer 3

You will see some molding on kitchen scraps like fruits and veggies as they decompose, especially if there aren't enough bigger decomposers in the mix (things like earthworms and other grubs). But if it's all over moldy, it's too wet. The compost experts at a nearby university told us that the best way to do a compost pile is in layers. At the end of 7 days, mix the compost with a shovelful of dirt (we use horse manure in ours because we have horses and it makes for really rich compost) spread it out and add a container of nightcrawlers like you would get from a bait shop, then cover it over with a thin layer (better if it's shredded) of damp acid-free newspaper, and you're ready for the new week. According to the expert on campus, compost piles need a bit of paper to help keep the moisture manageable.

Answer 4

You should add some soil to the mix and make sure that you turn it once every week or so. Also when working out in the yard if you come across some worms add them to your compost as well they will really help out.

Answer 5

YES TURN IT AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK,DON'T FORGET TO ADD GREEN DISCARDED PLANTS, DECAYING LEAVES AND ANYTHING ELSE THAT BIODEGRADABLE

Answer 6

remove the mold then flip it