EVERYTHING YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT COMPOST!

[Source: Lismore City Council - Earthworks ]

What is the difference between anaerobic and aerobic compost heaps?
Anaerobic ( airless & soggy ) heaps produce smelly odours, do not use oxygen and attract pests. Aerobic ( aerated & moist ) heaps do not smell, use oxygen and break down quickly.

Are cockroaches a problem?
Too many cockroaches can be a problem. They are attracted to acidic and anaerobic or smelly heaps. Add some lime and turn the heap regularly to get rid of them.

What can be used instead of lime?
Dolomite or ash collected from a wood fire can be used. Use lime as a last resort as it propagates the continuation of damaging extractive industries.

"I have no worms in my heap - but lots of ants"
Add lime to the heap and turn it. Check the moisture level as ants Indicate low moisture levels. Add some compost worms as they are able to distribute lime from the top to the bottom layers. Remember to thoroughly water in all dry layers.

"My compost must be bad because it is sour, smelly, attracts rats and cats and the material doesn't break down quickly. Should I throw it out?"
No! All compost is salvageable. Rebuild your compost into a new heap adding layers of dry materials. You could try a compost activator, green manure ( liquid fertiliser ) or ask an Earthworker to help.

My method of composting is to throw everything on and do little else. Is that OK?
Yes, it's called cold composting. If the compost doesn't smell and seems to be working with an occasional turn, the richest most beautiful compost will be at the bottom.

How do you deal with rat problems and how can you avoid attracting rats and rodents to your compost?
Follow the principles of aerobic composting and manage it well. Turn and moisten the compost to aerate it. You could try setting peanut butter traps as baits. Reduce the use of any meat, bread or dairy products in the heap.

How do you balance carbon and nitrogen ratios ( browns & greens ) to make a "hot" compost heap?
Mathematically C:N ratio is around 20:1. Use your intuition, use brown and green materials in approximate equal portions. Remember lots of Aliveness, Diversity, Aeration and Moisture. More detailed composting information is available form Manly Environment Centre. Phone 9976 2842.

What do you do about a neighbour who complains about composting even though it doesn't smell?
Set a good standard by keeping your compost system as neat as possible. Know the main principles when you compost, especially the C:N ratio because too much nitrogen can cause an odour problem. Be sure to explain the benefits of composting every chance you get. Tell people why you do it and how it works for you. Give some of your compost to neighbours or friends for them to use.

Can pet waste be composted? How?
No, not only are they smelly, but they can be dangerous to your health. They can be buried away from food plantings as well as native trees and shrubs. Their high level of phosphorous can kill native species. Some worm farming techniques can process pet wastes, however, do not use the castings near food plantings.

Can bones and meat scraps be composted, and can fish bones be buried? Yes, but there is the potential for pest problems. It is not recommended to compost these materials until the person is experienced in making fast, hot and aerobic compost.

How do you compost when you have too many materials high in nitrogen ( greens )?
Store high carbon materials [sawdust, dry leaves, shredded newspapers, cardboard] and use them when needed. Use layers of sawdust with materials high in nitrogen.

Can newspaper be composted?
Yes, and any other non-bleached paper such as brown and recycled paper bags. It is important to use thin layers and/or to mix with other materials. Shredded newspaper can also be used as bedding for earthworms. It's also a good mulching material placed beneath wood chips and sawdust for building pathways.

Are earwigs or compost fly larvae bad? What is their composting role?
Earwigs are rarely a serious threat to vegetable and garden plants. The compost fly (vinegar fly) larvae is segmented and NOT to be confused with fly maggots, both can be an aid in the composting process as scavengers and prefer cooler heaps. Larvae eat three times their body weight per day! Turn the heap regularly and add dry material if necessary.

How can noxious weeds such as morning glory, ivy roots and blackberries be composted?
Plants that propagate vegetatively should be thoroughly dried in the sun and then used as a compost ingredient or composted alone and covered with black plastic to sit for as much as two years. A thorough composting system should kill most weed seeds.

Are slugs and snails a problem? What is their role in composting?
They are not a problem for the composting process as they contribute to it by feeding on decaying and fresh waste. Snails are often referred to as Nature's vacuum cleaners. However proximity to your garden beds may be a problem. You can use beer traps, compost them or feed them to your chooks or ducks. Good aerobic compost seldom attracts large numbers of slugs and snails.

How do you know when to turn the heap?
If you are making hot compost, turn the heap when the temperature decreases. Turn it every 10 - 14 days to speed up the process. Don't turn the heap more often than this as the special aerobic and antibiotic microbes need at least a week to branch and form their beneficial processes. Remember to use a fork.

When is a pile too small to heat up?
A minimum of half a cubic metre is recommended to make hot compost. Covering the heap with second-hand carpet, underfelt or hessian sacks will help hold in the heat and prevent rapid drying out as well as deterring flies and rodents. Find a warm, sunny, well drained spot for the compost.

Can my heap get too alkaline by adding wood ash or lime? Do worms alter the soil Ph?
Yes, you can make your heap too alkaline, but rarely when food scraps are added. Sprinkle limited quantities of ash or lime to neutralise the acidity of fruit waste and tea leaves. Worms have the ability to bring back soil Ph to neutral ( 7 ) by their own enzyme action on acids.

How do you know when compost is finished?
When it becomes dark loose and crumbly; in a hot heap when it doesn't reheat after turning - sift out the unfinished materials and use them to start a new heap.

In my tumbler I find wet clumps of materials which haven't broken down. Why is it like this?
Tumblers can be good to start off with, but it's best if the material can be taken out of the tumbler and put into a ground or bin heap in contact with the soil. Add some commercial compost worms and let them finish the compost.

My compost seems very wet. How wet should it be?
Technically, moisture content should be 50 - 60% in a heap. Compost should be the consistency of a slightly wet sponge and smell rich, earthy and fresh.

Should diseased materials be used to make compost?
As a general rule, it's best not to compost diseased plants because of the chance of re-infecting the garden. If they're composted in a very hot compost, the diseased organisms will be destroyed by the composting process. An all-at-once method is good and when cool cover with black plastic or old carpet until ready. Do not dispose of diseased plants with other green waste stockpiled at Council's Roseberry St depot.