Your compost questions and answers.

A compost pile can turn your kitchen and garden waste into a rich organic soil amendment. This is an inexpensive and environmentally friendly way to assist you in planting a vegetable garden.

Frequently asked questions:

What are the benefits to adding compost to the garden?

• adds in organic matter which improves soil structure
• helps retain water
• enhances soil aeration
• adds nutrients
• can increase soil pH
• creates healthy conditions for soil organisms like earthworms
• recycles kitchen and garden waste

Can I add in my weeds?
Most weeds are okay to add to your pile. However do not add mature weeds with seed heads or invasive weeds like morning glory and Bermuda grass.

Can I put in dog or cat manure?
No, dog or cats manure often contains pathogens harmful to children. These are not always killed in the pile.

Can I add in plants that are diseased or infested with insects?
No. Have a garbage bag handy and immediately after pulling a diseased or invested plant, place it in the bag. This way any disease or insects will not be transferred to other plants or areas of your garden. It is best to put these in your garbage or burn them away from your garden area.

I have lots of flies in and around my pile, what is wrong?
Your pile has too much nitrogen material, turn the pile layering in more carbon material.

There is a bad odor, what is wrong?
Your pile may have too high nitrogen ratio or be too wet. It is best turn it adding in more carbon material. This will help balance the nitrogen/carbon ratio as well as aerate the pile so it will dry out a bit. Do not let is dry out too much.

My pile does not seem to be doing anything.
Dig into the middle of the pile, is it warm to touch or steaming? Are there any earthworms? Is it moist? If these are not happening you will have to turn your pile adding in either more carbon or nitrogen material or water depending on what materials are in it.

Can I just pile may garden waste and leave it?
Yes, however I recommend using a closed bin rather than just piling it. This way you will not attract flies and pests. It will take longer to decompose than a managed pile.

Will the pile get hot?
Heat is generated by decomposing organic matter. The more heat, the faster the process happens. Ideally you want the center of your pile to be in the 40 to 55 degree Celsius range. You can use a thermometer to check the temperature if you want however the composting process will still take place just slower if the temperature does not get this high. By adding in the correct portions of green and brown matter and keeping them the pile moist but not wet will keep your pile at the right temperature.

Once you have healthy garden soil it can be maintained with a minimum of expense by making compost , crop rotation using manures and adding in small amounts of soil fertilizers.

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