What Are Common Composting Mistakes?

“Hi there!

I’m trying my hand at composting in my backyard here in Melbourne, Australia. But I’m running into some problems. My compost seems to be taking forever to break down, there’s a bit of an unpleasant smell, and it just doesn’t look right. What common mistakes should I avoid to get it back on track?

Thanks a bunch,”
Patrick, Melbourne, Australia.

What Are Common Composting Mistakes?

Composting can be a fantastic way to reduce waste and create rich soil for your backyard farm, but it’s easy to make mistakes that can hamper the process. Let’s go through some of the common issues people like Patrick often face and how to avoid them.

Poor Balance of Green and Brown Materials

The balance between green (nitrogen-rich) and brown (carbon-rich) materials is crucial. An imbalance can lead to various problems:

• Too much green material: This can make the compost pile wet, slimy, and smelly. Examples of green materials are kitchen scraps, fresh grass clippings, and coffee grounds.
• Too much brown material: This can slow down decomposition and make the pile too dry. Brown materials include dried leaves, straw, and cardboard.

Generally, aim for a ratio of about 2:1 of brown to green materials. Adjusting this balance can help resolve issues like odor and slow decomposition, Patrick.

Improper Aeration

Air is vital for composting as it supports the aerobic bacteria responsible for breaking down organic matter.

• Lack of turning: If the compost pile isn’t turned regularly, it can become compacted and anaerobic, leading to odors and slow breakdown.
• Pile structure: Ensure the pile isn’t so dense that air can’t circulate. Mixing in bulky materials like straw can help improve aeration.

Turn the compost at least once a week to keep it well-aerated and healthy.

Incorrect Moisture Levels

The moisture content of your compost pile plays a significant role in its efficiency.

• Too much moisture: This can create a soggy, smelly mess. It’s often due to an excess of green materials or poor drainage.
• Too little moisture: This can make the pile dry and slow to decompose. Usually, it’s a result of too much brown material or dry weather conditions.

The compost should feel like a damp sponge – moist but not dripping. If it’s too wet, add more brown materials and mix well. If it’s too dry, sprinkle some water over the pile and turn it to distribute the moisture.

Adding the Wrong Materials

Not everything is suitable for composting. Patrick, watch out for these common offenders:

• Meat and dairy: These can attract pests and create bad odors.
• Oily foods: These are slow to break down and can also smell bad.
• Diseased plants: They can introduce pathogens to your compost.
• Weeds with seeds: These can survive the composting process and spread in your garden.
• Non-biodegradable items: Plastics, metals, and glass don’t break down and can contaminate your compost.

Neglecting Size and Layering

The size of the compost pile and the way materials are layered can affect the composting process.

• Too small a pile: A small compost pile may not generate enough heat to decompose materials efficiently.
• Improper layering: If greens and browns are not layered well, the pile may not heat up properly and could decompose unevenly.

For optimal results, aim for a compost pile that’s at least 3 feet wide, 3 feet deep, and 3 feet tall. Layering greens and browns can help create a well-balanced environment for decomposition.

Ignoring Temperature

Temperature is a key indicator of how well your compost is breaking down.

• Too low: If the pile is too cold, it won’t break down efficiently. This can happen with small piles or in cold weather.
• Too high: While it’s rare, very high temperatures can kill beneficial microbes.

Use a compost thermometer to monitor the temperature. The ideal range is between 135-160°F (57-71°C). If it’s too low, add more greens and turn the pile to introduce oxygen. If it’s too high, turn the pile to release some heat.

Pest Issues

Compost piles can attract pests if not managed properly. Common culprits include rodents, flies, and other scavengers. Here’s how to keep them at bay:

• Cover food scraps: Always cover kitchen waste with a layer of brown materials to avoid attracting pests.
• Secure the pile: Use a compost bin with a lid or cover the pile with a tarp.
• Avoid meat and dairy: As mentioned earlier, these food items can lure animals and pest insects into your compost pile.

An enclosed compost bin can be particularly useful for urban areas like Melbourne where space might be limited and pests more frequent.

Lack of Patience

Composting is a natural process that can take time. Patrick, it’s important to have patience and allow nature to do its job. Some tips to hurry it along:

• Chop materials finely: Smaller pieces break down faster, so chop your green and brown materials before adding them to the compost.
• Turn regularly: Frequent turning accelerates decomposition by providing oxygen to microorganisms.
• Monitor the balance: Keeping the right green-to-brown ratio and correct moisture levels will ensure faster composting.

Additional Tips and Tricks

Here are some extra tips to ensure your composting is as effective and smooth as possible:

Add Compost Accelerators

These can be beneficial in getting your compost pile up and running. Options include:

• Commercial products: There are many compost accelerators available that introduce beneficial microbes.
• Natural materials: Adding a layer of soil or finished compost can also introduce a healthy dose of microorganisms to your pile.

Location Matters

Place your compost pile in a sunny spot to help maintain a good temperature year-round. Try to keep it close to your garden for convenience, but ensure it’s not too close to your home to avoid any potential odors or pests.

Avoid Over-Compaction

While it’s important to maintain the right ratio of materials, avoid compacting the compost pile too much. Overly dense piles can restrict airflow and slow down the composting process.

Final Thoughts…

Patrick, thanks for bringing up this topic. Composting is an art, and like any art, it requires some know-how and practice. Key points to remember are:

• Maintain a good balance of green and brown materials.
• Ensure proper aeration and moisture levels.
• Avoid adding the wrong materials and keep an eye on the temperature.

With these tips, your compost pile should start thriving. Happy composting, and here’s to a fruitful backyard farm!