♻️ Compost bin problems & solutions! ➡️
#CompostAwarenessWeek
There are a few common issues many people have when producing their own garden compost, most are down to an imbalance of green and brown material.
♻️ Soggy, smelly compost
"My compost bin smells!" is a very common complaint, even more likely when using enclosed plastic compost bins. The reason is too much green material and not enough fibrous brown. To remedy, add crumpled paper, cardboard, dry brown leaves or other high carbon ingredients.
Soggy compost can also occur in an open bin where too much rain is washed through or if the compost bin is built on a site with poor drainage. Cover the pile to protect against rain and move or build an elevated base if the site is wet.
♻️ Dry compost
Dry compost that doesn't appear to be breaking down is due to too much brown material. Carbon takes a very long time to decompose unless mixed with nitrogen rich material. To remedy add more green material like grass clippings and mix well.
If you have large amounts of dry twiggy material it will need to be chopped and mixed with your greens as it creates a fibrous mat that moisture simply drains through. This material will also be the culprit if you have uneven finished compost as you create pockets where moisture and heat is lost.
➡️ The second image is a handy one to reference. There are, of course, caveats with each of the items on the list (eg whole teabags can go in the compost as long as they are plastic free). Hope it's helpful.
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