Are you trying to learn how to compost effectively but are making some common mistakes? Don't worry, you're in the right place. In this article, we'll be discussing some of the most common mistakes people make when composting and how to avoid them. One of these mistakes is not balancing green and brown materials. But don't worry, we've got you covered. Read on to learn more!
Not balancing green and brown materials
One of the most common mistakes people make when composting is not balancing their green and brown materials. Green materials refer to items like grass clippings, vegetable scraps, and other fresh items. These items are high in nitrogen and provide the necessary proteins for microorganisms to break down the matter. Brown materials refer to items like leaves, straw, and twigs. These items are high in carbon and provide the necessary energy for microorganisms to do their job. If you don't have a proper balance of both materials, your compost pile may not heat up enough to break down properly.
Adding meat, dairy, or oily foods
One of the most common mistakes people make when composting is adding meat, dairy, or oily foods to the bin. While these items can technically be composted, they can also attract pests and create unpleasant odors. If you want to compost these items, it's best to do so in a separate bin or compost heap away from your primary composting area.
Meat, dairy, and oily foods contain high levels of fats and proteins that take longer to break down. They also produce a lot of heat as they decompose, which can kill off beneficial bacteria and slow down the composting process. In addition, these items can attract unwanted animals like rats, raccoons, and other scavengers to your compost bin.
If you have a separate compost bin for meat, dairy, and oily foods, there are a few things you can do to ensure they break down properly. First, chop them into smaller pieces to help speed up the decomposition process. Second, mix these items with plenty of dry, carbon-based materials like leaves, straw, or shredded newspaper. This will help absorb excess moisture and prevent foul odors from developing.
If you don't have a separate compost bin for meat, dairy, and oily foods, it's best to avoid adding them altogether. Stick to composting vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, eggshells, and other non-oily plant-based materials. This will help ensure that your compost pile stays healthy and pest-free, while also providing you with nutrient-rich soil for your garden.
Not turning or aerating the compost pile
One of the most common mistakes that people make when composting is not turning or aerating the compost pile regularly. It's important to turn the compost pile at least once a week to allow oxygen to circulate throughout the pile. Without proper aeration, the composting process can slow down, leading to a foul smell, the presence of pests, and the formation of harmful bacteria.
The reason turning the compost pile is so essential is that it helps mix the materials and ensure that the pile receives the right amount of moisture and oxygen. If the center of the compost pile lacks oxygen, it can lead to anaerobic conditions, which produce strong odors and harmful toxins. On the other hand, turning the compost pile allows for even distribution of oxygen, resulting in a more efficient breakdown of the materials.
Another way to ensure sufficient aeration is to introduce bulking agents, also known as carbon-rich materials, to the compost pile. These materials include shredded newspaper, straw, or dry leaves. Bulking agents help create air pockets within the compost pile, facilitating oxygen exchange and allowing moisture to evaporate, which also helps prevent the pile from becoming too wet.
It's also important to note that excessive turning of the compost pile can also be detrimental. Turning it too much can cause the internal temperature of the pile to decrease, slowing down the decomposition process. Therefore, the general rule is to turn the compost pile once a week or after the internal temperature has reached around 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
By turning or aerating the compost pile regularly, you can help speed up the decomposition process and create compost that is rich in nutrients and beneficial microorganisms.
Using Treated Wood or Toxic Materials
One of the biggest mistakes you can make when composting is using treated wood or toxic materials. Some people use treated lumber to build their compost bin, thinking it will last longer. However, treated lumber contains chemicals that can leach into the soil and ultimately, into your compost. These chemicals can harm soil microbes and negatively impact plant growth.
Similarly, adding toxic materials like pesticides, herbicides, and chemicals to your compost can completely offset the benefits of composting. These toxins can be harmful to your plants and the environment. Although you may be trying to eliminate pests and weeds, pesticides and herbicides not only harm helpful insects and birds, but they also kill off the beneficial microorganisms in your compost that help break down the organic matter.
In addition, avoid adding waste from pets that have been treated with medications, such as antibiotics. These medications can survive in your compost for long, eventually killing the beneficial bacteria that are critical to the decomposition process. Therefore, it is important to keep compost piles free of treated wood, toxic materials, and medications.
If you have already added any of the above materials, do not use the compost in your vegetable garden. Instead, use the compost around trees, shrubs, or flowers. Composting is an excellent way to reduce waste and improve soil health, but it is important to be aware of what you are putting into your compost pile.
Adding Weeds or Invasive Plants
Composting is an excellent way to reduce the amount of organic waste in your home and garden. While many people know not to add meat, dairy, or grease to their compost pile, some may not realize that adding weeds or invasive plants could have severe consequences.
Weed seeds can easily survive the composting process and endure in your compost pile. These weed seeds could end up sprouting and growing in your garden, which is the opposite of what you want to achieve. Similarly, invasive plants can spread rapidly and take over large areas where they are not wanted. When included in your compost, they could quickly overrun your garden once introduced into the soil.
Here are some tips to avoid adding weeds or invasive plants to your compost:
- Don't compost weeds that have gone to seed. Removing the seed heads or flowers before composting can limit the seed's ability to germinate.
- Avoid adding plants that have proven to be invasive in your area. Some popular invasive plants are Japanese knotweed, Kudzu, and Purple loosestrife. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the invasive species in your area to avoid adding them to your compost pile.
- Consider solarizing invasive plants before composting them. Solarizing involves covering the plants with clear plastic and leaving them for six to eight weeks. This method will kill the plants and any seeds they contain, making them safe to add to your compost pile.
- If you have a lot of weeds in your garden, consider setting up a separate compost pile just for them. With time, the weeds will break down and can be safely added to your regular compost pile.
By avoiding adding weeds or invasive plants to your compost, you can help prevent the spread of unwanted species while creating rich, healthy soil for your garden.
Not Monitoring Moisture Levels
One of the most common mistakes made by beginners in composting is not monitoring moisture levels. The compost pile should be moist, but not too wet, for optimum decomposition. Too much moisture can cause anaerobic conditions, which will slow down the decomposition process and create an unpleasant odor.
If the pile is too dry, decomposition will slow down as well. It is important to keep a balance between moisture and air in the pile. The ideal moisture level is between 40-60%. You can check the moisture level by squeezing a handful of compost. If water is dripping out, the pile is too wet. If the material crumbles and does not stick together, it's too dry.
To maintain proper moisture levels, water the pile as needed. If it's too dry, add water with a hose or a watering can. If it's too wet, add dry leaves or shredded newspaper. It's essential to turn the pile regularly, so the water is evenly distributed and the pile gets enough oxygen.
- Use a Compost Aerator
- Add Dry Materials
- Cover the Pile
- Compost at the Right Time
A compost aerator is a handy tool that helps to add air to the pile while also mixing the materials, which helps maintain moisture levels. Insert the tool into the pile and twist it to create air passages. This will also allow any compacted materials to loosen up, promoting better decomposition.
If you find that the pile is too wet, add dry materials to soak up the excess moisture. Dry materials such as leaves, shredded paper, and cardboard can be added to the pile to help balance moisture. Avoid using sawdust, which can be too fine and compact, preventing air from reaching the compost. Additionally, avoid using paper with glossy coatings or colored inks.
If you live in an area with heavy rainfall, cover your pile with a tarp to keep excess water out. A tarp will also help regulate the pile's temperature and prevent it from drying out too quickly. Use bungee cords or ropes to secure the tarp in place.
Composting during the right time of year can also help maintain the right moisture level. If you live in an area with hot and arid summers, it's best to compost during the spring and fall when there is more moisture in the air. Composting during the cooler months can also help prevent the pile from drying out too quickly.
Monitoring moisture levels is a crucial part of successful composting. By following these tips, you can ensure that your compost pile has the right amount of moisture to break down your organic materials quickly and efficiently.
