I just started my first compost pile in my backyard and I'm not sure if I'm doing it right. I only use organic materials but it's all moldy and smelly. Am I doing it right?
2007-03-29 20:24:44 · 7 answers · asked by beyondthelimit 5 in Home & Garden ➔ Garden & Landscape
From what I understand, they aren't supposed to be moldy and smelly - that indicates a lack of air and too much moisture.
The pile should be only as wet as a wrung-out sponge. Also, to ensure that you have enough air, it should be "turned" about 2-3 times a week. You can do this with a shovel or pitchfork - basically stir everything up a bit and moisten it up.
The decomposition process should be 'eating' away the dead stuff. It does actually rot away, but it shouldn't smell like it.
2007-03-29 21:00:21 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I had a wonderful compost heap in ID and tried one in NC and had a stinking bug pit full of stuff no one wanted to look at. it even included fire ants, gave up on it. You can cut your grass and rake and put the clippings around your flowers and in your garden, or use a mulching mower and put it back where it came from. In the fall in the East I would rake all the dead leaves into a low area and cover with a tarp and by spring they would be composted and I would let dry and spread around.
2007-03-29 21:16:54 · answer #2 · answered by lilabner 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, the purpose of compost is for the organic materials to decompose and decay into soil. It smells, it looks horrible, but after a year you'll have a really good soil instead of artificial fertilisers for your plants.
Don't be grossed out by the worms. Worms LOVE compost piles and they're not vermin - when you put them into the garden soil, they make it more airy and they eat the rotting leaves. They are your friends. However, don't put them into your potted plants.
2007-03-29 20:34:08 · answer #3 · answered by Ymmo the Heathen 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Compost piles are usually moldy and smelly. They should also radiate heat. If those are present, you are doing it right.
2007-03-29 20:37:50 · answer #4 · answered by Unazaki 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes, it's "Decomposing", throw a few shovel fulls of dirt in there, and "Turn it in" and aerate the compost, keep it wet, or just let the rain do it, you're doing it right, you'll have rich soil for your garden, and you have successfully reduced landfill in your area, nice job !
2007-03-29 20:36:13 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
smelly yes....not moldy. If you have mold, that is not good. There are microrganisms within the soil complex you do not want.
2007-03-30 00:53:52 · answer #6 · answered by Ron B. 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes.THE more smelly the better.MOLD wont hurt a thing.
2007-03-29 20:27:46 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋