Pine straw is not very good for compost, at least here. They add a lot of acid to the soil, which we don’t need, and they take a long time to decompose. If you’re soil is not too acidic, try adding some and see what happens.
We carry a product that helps put good bacteria back into your compost. The name escapes me right now. Might try adding some of that. It will also help it breakdown faster.
I think I will keep the pine straw out. If you remember the name of that product please let me know.
Fire ants are a problem here also, how much lime do you put on the compost? And thanks for the info on the figs. I do not have any to start from cuttings so will have to get them from a gardening supply. I have been thinking about Celestial or Black Jack or both. I am in East Central Miss. and figs are grown here.