Free Republic
Browse · Search
General/Chat
Topics · Post Article

To: MiddleEarth

No critters in my open compost piles - just worms.

I bury the kitchen scraps - and chop into smaller bits to help it compost faster.

Wetter is better - downright soggy.


24 posted on 03/02/2012 9:12:18 AM PST by ImProudToBeAnAmerican
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 22 | View Replies ]


To: ImProudToBeAnAmerican; MiddleEarth
I've got to disagree with the 'downright soggy' portion of that advice. The bacteria and other critters that are responsible for the breakdown in a compost pile are aerobic creatures. Air flow in the pile is essential or the aerobic critters will die.

Everything I've read indicates that a compost pile should be moist, but that any excess water should be able to drain away. Don't put your compost material in the lowest spot of the yard.

If rain is not providing your compost pile with enough moisture, you will need to add some water yourself. Collecting rainwater is a good practice, because rain is generally close to pH neutral and has no added flouride or other chemicals.

I do not add additional moisture to my heap unless there is an extended drought. Simple reason is that I don't have time to worry about it. I'll use it when it breaks down, but I'm not really helping the process along as much as many folks will.

29 posted on 03/02/2012 9:34:23 AM PST by JustaDumbBlonde (Don't wish doom on your enemies ... plan it.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 24 | View Replies ]

Free Republic
Browse · Search
General/Chat
Topics · Post Article


FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson