Composting is a fantastic way to reduce waste, enrich your garden soil, and contribute to a healthier planet. But like any natural process, composting can sometimes hit a few snags. Whether your pile is smelling funky, not breaking down, or attracting unwanted guests, troubleshooting these common compost problems is key to achieving that beautiful, crumbly “black gold.” Let’s dive into the most frequent issues and how to fix them, ensuring you get the most out of your composting efforts.
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Smelly Compost | Too much “green” material, not enough air, overly wet. | Add more “browns”, turn the pile, check moisture levels. |
| Slow Decomposition | Too dry, improper balance of “greens” and “browns”, too cold. | Water the pile, adjust carbon/nitrogen ratio, relocate to warmer spot if needed. |
| Fruit Flies | Exposed sugary materials, overly wet conditions. | Bury food scraps deeper, add a thick layer of browns, allow compost to dry. |
| Rodents | Accessible food waste, compost too close to home, weak bin. | Use secure bins, bury food scraps deep, relocate compost bin if needed. |
| Ammonia Smell | Too much nitrogen-rich (green) material. | Add more carbon-rich (brown) material, turn the compost more frequently. |
| Wet and Slimy Compost | Overly wet, poor drainage. | Turn the compost regularly, add more dry brown materials, improve drainage. |
| Dry and Dusty Compost | Not enough moisture. | Add water, continue to turn compost to distribute water evenly. |
| Large Undigested Pieces | Too large pieces added, lack of decomposition process. | Chop materials into smaller pieces, turn the pile more frequently. |
The Dreaded Smell: Why Does My Compost Stink?
One of the most common complaints about composting is the smell. A healthy compost pile should smell earthy and pleasant, but an unbalanced one can produce some pretty offensive odors. Typically, a stinky compost is a sign of anaerobic decomposition, meaning the breakdown of materials is happening without enough oxygen. This is usually caused by too many “green” materials and not enough “browns.”
The “Green” vs. “Brown” Balancing Act
In composting, “greens” are nitrogen-rich materials like grass clippings, food scraps, and coffee grounds. “Browns” are carbon-rich materials like dried leaves, shredded paper, and cardboard. An ideal compost mix is a good balance of both – usually a ratio of about 2:1 or 3:1 browns to greens. When there’s too much green material, the pile gets overly wet and matted down, restricting airflow and leading to that unpleasant smell. If you smell ammonia, which is a common stench coming from a nitrogen-heavy compost pile, it’s a signal to add more browns. Remember the classic “ lasagna” approach: alternating layers of browns and greens for the best results. A lack of air due to excess moisture is also a major culprit, which can lead to more than just a bad smell.
Turning the Tide (and the Compost)
Another critical factor is aeration. Turning your compost pile regularly introduces oxygen, which is crucial for the aerobic bacteria and fungi that break down organic matter efficiently and odorlessly. Using a compost aerator, pitchfork or shovel, turn your compost every few days, or at least weekly, depending on the size of your pile and the speed of decomposition you are aiming for. This will allow any built-up gasses to escape and the oxygen to circulate. If your compost pile still seems wet and compacted after turning, you’ll need to make sure to add more browns and consider more frequent turning.
Moisture Control
Moisture is essential for decomposition, but too much can quickly lead to a stinky, anaerobic mess. The goal is to have your compost pile as damp as a wrung-out sponge. If it’s sopping wet, add dry browns to absorb excess moisture. In addition to adjusting the wet-to-dry ratios, it can also help to ensure the compost is not in a location that accumulates water.
Why Isn’t My Compost Breaking Down?
So, you have a compost pile, but it seems like it’s been sitting there for ages with no progress. There could be several reasons why your compost isn’t breaking down. The most common culprits are lack of moisture, an improper balance of “greens” and “browns,” or cold temperatures.
The Importance of Moisture
Just like a well-hydrated garden, your compost needs moisture to function. If your pile is bone-dry, the microorganisms responsible for decomposition can’t do their job. Check your compost by digging in a bit; it should feel slightly damp to the touch. If it’s dry, simply add water with a hose, watering can, or from collected rain water. Be sure to turn the compost after you have watered it, to evenly distribute the moisture and avoid pockets of dryness.
Adjusting the Carbon-Nitrogen Ratio
We’ve already talked about the importance of balancing greens (nitrogen) and browns (carbon). If you have too much carbon (brown) material, decomposition will slow down significantly. Your compost will just sit there, slowly breaking down over a very long time, and may never generate enough heat to completely compost. Aim for a roughly 2:1 or 3:1 ratio of browns to greens. If you see too many browns and not much happening in the way of decomposition, throw in a good amount of kitchen scraps and you’ll soon see the pile jump back to life. Remember to check the moisture level as you add nitrogenous materials, so that the pile does not get too wet.
Temperature Considerations
Composting works best when it’s warm because the microorganisms responsible for decomposition are more active at higher temperatures. The ideal temperature range for composting is between 130°F and 160°F (55°C – 71°C). If your pile is located in a shady or cold area, it will decompose much slower. If possible, try moving your compost to a sunnier location, or consider using a closed composter to help retain heat. A well-balanced, well-watered, and turned compost should begin to generate its own heat, and this can be a great indicator that your compost is in progress.
Dealing with Unwanted Guests: Fruit Flies, Rodents, and More
Composting is a natural process, and part of that process is that other creatures might find your compost pile as attractive as you do. Fruit flies and rodents are common uninvited guests, but there are steps you can take to discourage them.
Fruit Flies Be Gone!
Fruit flies are often attracted to compost piles that contain exposed, sugary fruit scraps, or are too wet. To deter these pesky insects, make sure you bury food scraps well. Add a thick layer of brown materials on top of any new additions of food waste, to prevent odors and sugars from drawing flies. Ensuring your compost is not overly wet can also help to prevent fruit fly infestations. If you are struggling with a fruit fly problem, you might consider using a fine mesh to cover the compost, or relocate your pile a little further away from your home to avoid flies coming indoors as well.
Keeping Rodents Away
Rodents, like rats and mice, are often attracted to food scraps in compost. To prevent rodent problems, never add meat, bones, or dairy products to your compost as these are very attractive to rodents. Use a secure compost bin with a lid and a solid bottom to restrict access. In addition, bury food scraps deep within the compost pile, and consider using a fine mesh at the bottom of the compost bin to discourage digging. If you continue to have rodent problems, consider relocating your compost pile to a more secure or remote location.
Other Compost Critters
While we want to keep out rodents and fruit flies, keep in mind that many compost visitors are beneficial! Earthworms, for example, are fantastic decomposers and great indicators of a healthy compost pile. Don’t panic if you see them; they’re doing a good job! Springtails are another common compost visitor and they also play a role in the decomposition process. You may find some beetles and other insects in the compost as well, which is generally a sign of a healthy compost ecosystem. When you turn the compost pile, you are probably disrupting the life cycles of some of these beneficial bugs, so avoid turning it too much, or turning it when it has a large number of beneficial creatures.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced composters can make mistakes. Here are a few common pitfalls to avoid for optimal composting:
Adding the Wrong Items
Not everything belongs in your compost pile. Meat, bones, dairy products, and oily foods can attract rodents and create unpleasant odors. Diseased plants can also spread disease to your garden if you are using the compost as a soil amendment. Avoid adding materials treated with pesticides or herbicides. And be sure to avoid adding pet waste, as this may contain harmful pathogens.
Ignoring the Size of Materials
Large pieces of material will take a very long time to break down, or may never completely decompose. Chop or shred large items like branches, thick stems, and large fruit peels into smaller pieces, so they decompose more quickly and uniformly. The smaller the items, the quicker your compost will decompose. Consider using a shredder to reduce the size of branches, dry leaves, or paper and cardboard materials, for optimal decomposition.
Forgetting to Turn the Compost
As we’ve discussed, turning your compost is essential for introducing oxygen and maintaining proper decomposition. Make it a routine to turn your compost pile at least once a week, or even more often for faster breakdown. Regular turning ensures the entire pile is aerated and prevents anaerobic conditions.
Not Paying Attention to Moisture
Keep a close eye on the moisture level of your compost. Too dry and decomposition slows down, too wet and it becomes a smelly, anaerobic mess. Add water when needed, and add brown materials to soak up excess moisture.
Impatience is the Enemy
Composting takes time. It’s not a race, and the speed of decomposition will vary depending on the materials, temperature, and moisture levels. Avoid getting impatient, and continue to turn your compost, water it, and adjust the ratios as needed. Your patience will be rewarded with fantastic finished compost.
Final Thoughts
Composting is an incredibly rewarding process that not only helps the environment but also provides you with valuable, nutrient-rich compost for your garden. By understanding common composting problems and how to fix them, you can avoid the pitfalls and become a composting pro. With a little effort, attention, and the right balance of “greens,” “browns,” moisture, and aeration, you’ll be well on your way to creating beautiful, fertile compost. Don’t be afraid to experiment, observe what’s happening in your compost, and adapt your methods as needed. And remember, you are creating a tiny, but important, ecosystem of life right in your own backyard.
