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Common Issues with your Compost Bin and How You Can Solve Them
My compost is too wet!
Often, the most common issue with your compost bin may be that the contents get too wet. This is generally because the balance of Carbon and Nitrogen materials are off. Remember, the ratio is 70:30 browns to greens. The easiest fix to a wet compost is to simply add more brown materials - paper, cardboard or grass clippings would do the trick. Don't forget to aerate once you have added this as well.
My compost is too dry!
There are a few reasons why your compost bin may become too dry. As mentioned, a compost bin needs a healthy balance of 70:30 browns to greens. When your compost is looking quite dry, it indicates that you are putting more carbon than nitrogen.
To solve this, simply water your compost or put a pause on adding more carbon materials until the balance is right again!
My compost has a distinct smell!
Are you having issues with smell coming from your compost bin? Compost is not supposed to have a foul smell at all, so if yours does, let's help you fix it.
The reason why your compost bin may have a foul smell to it, is because the heap is too moist and is not getting enough air. To fix it, add brown materials, such as cardboard or grass clippings, and then aerate thoroughly to ensure the materials can soak up the excess moisture. You may also add some Tumbleweed Worm Farm & Compost Conditioner to balance out the mix.
My compost is attracting maggots!
Are you seeing maggots in your compost bin? Make sure they're not Soldier Fly Larvae first! These creatures are actually quite beneficial to the composting process as they help breakdown the mix. Most of the creatures you see don't pose a high threat, unless their population maximises.
Although, if they are maggots, simply add more brown material to your compost bin. This will help balance out the acidity, as these guys thrive off nitrogen-rich materials.