There are a couple of common reasons why this might have happened. You might also like to consider spreading the compost out on a warm, sunny day, to help evaporate off some of the excess moisture. Perhaps I should save more brown? She has created booklets and aided in the design of Food Kits to help gardeners to cool and warm climates to grow their own food, for example. Many thanks! Or, if you have two bins side by side, mix the extra materials and water as you turn the materials from one bin into the other. Any bin with a tight lid and drainage holes can be used. Or, if not preventable, how do I remedy the situation?Please advise. Be aware that enclosed plastic compost bins let less air in than open heaps. ", "Hi Chris. It is also possible that you have simply compacted the materials by packing them down too tightly into a container. Also make sure that any fresh kitchen scraps you add from now on are turned into the top layer of compost, so that ants aren't attracted. Adding too much fresh material, instead of a balanced mix of fresh and dry materials, is the usual culprit. After the latest farrowing and having the sow and her piglets locked in there for … It may also be that you added too much woody material. Cold composting (especially in a simple heap) will always take longer than other methods. The bigger round clumps that remain can then be tossed back into the compost bin along with fresh ingredients. Just come back with any other questions should you encounter further problems. Physical barriers might pose enough of a deterrent. Moisten pile with water and mix in more browns to balance. A smelly compost pile generally comes down to one issue: anaerobic conditions in the pile. Read on to get your composting system to function as it should: One of the most common complaints when it comes to composting is that things are taking too long. Your method is a very valid one. In April 2019, our team was introduced to a leading-edge method of composting using Beneficial Anaerobic Microbes (BAM), thanks to Daniel Schuurman at Biologix. Unfortunately, they produce hydrogen sulfide as a by-product and hydrogen sulfide smells like rotten eggs. When these miserable conditions are met, your compost pile is now ready to play host to: Anaerobic bacteria, which are the lazier, smellier workers that nobody wants to hire for their compost pile, but which can sometimes crop up if aerobic bacteria are chased away due to a toxic work environment.. If too much is added to your compost heap at once it can become compacted, excluding air or filling air spaces with water. If you have too many clippings lay them as a mulch around fruit trees and bushes where they will slow down weed growth and lock in soil moisture. Another probable reason is the material you are wrongly adding to your heap. I do not put any animal-based material. An open-sourced manual on community-scale beneficial anaerobic composting. When preparing a compost pile, you are likely to face various problems. This can be caused by a few things. This can be caused by a few things. ", "hi With a sharp hoe, I start the daily chopping. Smoke visible in the compost, charred centre of the pile. aerobic process that reduces or prevents the release of methane during organic matter breakdown To remedy it you could try screening/sieving the compost. Or work some large sticks into the middle the middle of the heap to give it support. After the first week of working with the hoe daily I back off to two or three times during the second week, and then just once a week through the winter months (taking advantage of the nightly freeze heaves of the worked soil). I would advise digging out the root and remaining hyper-vigilant for it's reoccurrence. A wretched, stinking compost pile is inappropriate in a suburban neighborhood, home, or school. If you compost food scraps outdoors, you may find that this attracts rodents and other scavengers. We recently made a pile using the Berkeley 18-day hot-pile method. There is no exact way to monitor the compost since most times it is dug underground. How to Anaerobic Compost. If you are planning to have a compost barrel near the house then I would advise you to go with the aerobic method for the exact reason mentioned in the article. Anaerobic microbes produce hydrogen sulfide and this is responsible for rotten-like odors emanating from your compost pile. I would dig out your sodden ingredients and leave them to drain (no need to dry out entirely) and then re-stack. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. What to do with anaerobic compost. If your heap or composting container is too wet and waterlogged, there are a number of things you could do. If the pile keeps reverting to an anaerobic mode, it’s time to explore different ingredient ratios or composting styles. The most common problem is excess moisture, which causes foul odours, flies, and the production of substances harmful to your plants. It is likely that the mould may have been in the soil. Certain materials such as larger woody pieces, avocado pits etc. Several factors can result in this condition including an excessive amount of water, deficiency of aeration, or perhaps an imbalance between carbon and nitrogen. If it is the latter, turn/ mix the compost to break up mats of grass clippings or other ‘green’ materials, and add carbon rich materials to restore balance to your composting system. In which case, turning your compost regularly is usually a sufficient solution. ", "Ants aren't bad for the composting process because they will be helping to aerate it and introduce fertility into the heap. Lots of earthworms in bin 1 and 2 but by 3 hardly any. There are a couple different methods to create compost anaerobically, including: 1. Yes, I would advise having plenty of browns on hand to balance out the greens. I have tried laying out the finished compost on a tarp on the ground and letting it dry out before storing or using but it's not an ideal method. In Anaerobic composting, organic materials are piled up and break down naturally. Anaerobic soils are found on natural wetlands, floodplains, swamps, peatlands, and disturbed crop lands or even in our back gardens. June 2019 — Team. (Or simply remove excess materials that are causing the problem.). Slow composting is usually due to one of the reasons mentioned above but it is also important to be aware of how long it should take to decompose various materials. If composting in a container, you may also wish to bring it indoors/ under cover in cold weather. Ideally, you'd like your pile to have upwards of 70% moisture to encourage anaerobic conditions. But sometimes things can go wrong and your compost just does not turn out right. This valuable organic matter will work gradually to improve your soil’s nutrient content and overall structure, resulting in healthier plants and better crops for you. ", "hi i have a question about seeds from weeds and other plants please. Fresh materials are mostly 'greens' which have a high nitrogen content, so mixing in more carbon-rich … We'll go through each possible cause, and then we'll look at ways to fix your compost pile and get rid of the stench, for good. To return to a more balanced pH and speed things up again, add a little wood ash to the system. I have a three bin system. ", "Hi. Or if the plants are very young and the compost/soil is kept very damp, then this can sometimes promote the perfect conditions for moulds. If the moisture content of the compost pile is too high, the result will be a swamp-like odor. Anaerobic composting may not get hot enough to kill weed seeds. There’s really only one way to … At first it is just the cut down vegetation getting chopped up, but by the third and fourth day I notice I am breaking into the top layer of the soil and starting to mix dirt and chopped vegetation together. Archived. Garden composting is a great way to turn organic waste into a valuable and very useful resource for your garden. For example, you might have added pine needles to an outdoors heap or bin, or added too many citrus fruits or peels to a smaller system. In addition to designing gardens, Elizabeth also works in a consultancy capacity, offering ongoing support and training for gardeners and growers around the globe. A composting problem: our compost heap has just attracted a colony of black ants. Compost lacks life. A quick internet search reveals other gardeners have experienced similar maggot infestations - e.g. If your compost is outdoors, uncovered, you can cover the heap when heavy rainfall threatens. The frosts of winter will certainly help to break it all down. Pl help me guide in detail to get rid of this problem ! Help fix my anaerobic, sludgy urban compost pile! Occasionally, speed of decomposition may be reduced if you have added too much acidic material to your heap. When turned with a pitchfork the exposed compost is devoid of life. Shredded plain cardboard and dried leaves would work for this. This will definitely smell until the manure is broken down. Aerobic soils have particle arrangement which allows for free movement of air within its pores (open spaces between soil particles). For instructions on how to make good compost by adding the right balance of ingredients, read our article How to Compost – Easy Steps to Success. You might have too much carbon rich material and not enough nitrogen in your heap. ", "My compost bin, a double chamber plastic octagon, has solid round clumps that are hard to crush. Asked August 7, 2013, 6:11 AM EDT. There may (this is rare) be a lack of effective micro-organisms. But there are steps you can take to reduce the chances of getting a problem in the first place. In order to create a pleasant, oxygenated work environment for your aerobic employees, and to avoid being forced to take on anaerobic layabouts, you’ll need to make sure that your compost pile is moist (but not too moist), oxygenated (but not too oxygenated) and free of any overly-acidic materials. 7 Myths Debunked, Growing Blueberries from Planting to Harvest. When your heap is too dry, this can cause problems too. Help me! This might also indicate that the compost has become anaerobic. There are hundreds of them. You should also be sure to uncover it to allow the sunlight to dry it out when the weather is fine. Since moving to the property she has also rescued many chickens from factory farms, keeping them for their eggs, and moved much closer to self-sufficiency. She is undertaking ongoing work for NGO Somalia Dryland Solutions and a number of other non governmental organisations, and works as an environmental consultant for several sustainable companies. It could be a couch grass or bind weed root. A compost pile that smells like rotten eggs or rotting vegetables has gone anaerobic. Actually, decomposition can occur in one of two ways: with the aid of aerobic microbes and with the aid of anaerobic microbes. I live in Boston, MA, USA and have a hard plastic compost bin (Earth Machine) in the back yard, used by a house of 10 adults. ", "Hi Steven. Sheldon Levet . Investing in a compost tumbler is also something to consider if you want to keep your compost aerated and decompose materials a little more quickly. In most composting systems, micro-organisms required for decomposition will find their own way in, but occasionally, a lack of these micro-organisms might slow or even halt decomposition. Any solutions? Simply add some water until you feel the moisture levels are right. Garden compost is likely to contain weed seeds, so to avoid a flush of weed seedlings, cap your home-made mix with a layer of sterile potting soil. But again, using a bokashi method to ferment meat, dairy and other food scraps prior to composting could also be a good idea. Bins with too many dry materials can be given a boost by adding lots of fresh material to balance out the ingredients. Can you suggest something better? This might also indicate that the compost has become anaerobic. Anaerobic conditions in soil affect plant productivity as well as organic matter and nutrient dynamics. You can try sieving/screening the compost and then crushing the lumps up and through the holes. Apologies - I've only just noticed your comment. These bacteria thrive in cooler environments, unlike their aerobic cousins. For example I have lots of June bug grubs and earwigs, among other things. You can also consider using a bokashi system to ferment food scraps before composting. Background. Given the nightmarish vision of the anaerobic compost I believe you will want to try to maintain an air flow through your compost, or maintain aerobic decomposition. Used a plastic open tub and went on adding fresh veg peels, dried flowers, etc along with layer of mud. Few gardeners get composting right every time. It's a nice small area that the pigs seem to prefer for sleeping and I'd put in a lot of hay this winter. ", "Hi Mary. ", "Hi Ben Vanheems, many thanks for your guidance !! One bin, that has been sitting for nearly two months, is super wet and has the consistency of brown water and mush, despite frequent turning. A tightly closed container will create an ideal environment for anaerobic composting without the micro-organisms used in the Bokoshi method. The other thing is that your compost will be loaded with anaerobic bacteria, not your plants favourite friends. It should just hold together when held in the hand.). We need to get air back into the soil and we start that process by drying it out. In most cases, only a few gardeners get the whole process right every time. Judy", "Hi Judy, I just found them in my bin yesterday as well! I am just a starter to gardening and wanted to try composting at home. Dig out the compost bin, add your fresh materials then refill the bin. Thank you. You can also use a garden sieve to grade the compost for various uses. She has long had an interest in ecology, gardening and sustainability and is fascinated by how thought can generate action, and ideas can generate positive change. project timeline . Minus the putrid smell and slimy mess. I own a B and B so we have a lot of egg shells and orange skins. The orange skins (and any citrus) can also attract fruit flies. My question: What about the non-beneficial worms and insects in the compost? Is this a result of too much kitchen waste and not enough browns? You're generally better off composting in a compost bin/container without a bottom to it. Always make sure the person operating the loader knows that you are going into the tunnel. ", "This seems to be a common problem with compost and I'm not entirely sure what the solution to this is. 3. So confused what to do now !! If your compost heap is too wet, dig it out completely, then turn the ingredients to incorporate more air before restacking. Amongst other things, she has designed private gardens in regions as diverse as Canada, Minnesota, Texas, the Arizona/California desert, and the Dominican Republic, commercial aquaponics schemes, food forests and community gardens in a wide range of global locations. Jumpstart by adding an amount of compost … In anaerobic composting, the organic matter is decomposed in the absence of air. 20 Common Mistakes Many Home Composters Make. This can cause the compost heap to become a bit smelly and slow to decompose. … The environmental conditions, like temperature and moisture. Add dry materials into the mix to get a balance of greens and browns, improve drainage and prevent the compost from clogging up again. Aerobic composting requires both air and water to support the microbes that decompose the organic matter. The temperature maintained 55 to 65 degrees Celsius, with a water content that dripped once and sometimes twice after squeezing. ", "hi, A smelly compost pile generally comes down to one issue: anaerobic conditions in the pile. When I turn a new area for a future garden, most times I start by cutting the existing growth materials (grass, weeds, twigs and sticks) down and laying it out on the surface area of the new garden. The yield from the garden is increasing year on year – rapidly approaching an annual weight in produce of almost 1 ton. But simply tossing them back into the compost bin when you add new ingredients into it should be enough to eventually break them down - they just need another pass through the whole decomposition process. The anaerobic process, which is essentially putrefaction (sorr… Turning the top of the pile every few weeks will also help to deter ants. I put in weeds, grass clippings and save brown leaves from all year and incorporate them in equal amounts but in the summer I lack some brown stuff. Mature compost is gardeners’ gold. Assemble your compost pile as per usual (for more detailed composting instructions, please visit our how to compost page), except be sure to add more water. The materials you add, and how and in what quantities you add them. If composting is still taking too long in your cold composting system, you could also consider switching to a speedier method, such as hot composting or vermicomposting. How Aerobic Composting Compares. And you can be sure that such a pile won't get hot enough to kill any weed seeds it contains, either. Add your own thoughts on the subject of this article: Help fix my anaerobic, sludgy urban compost pile! If temperatures are too low, you could consider adding insulation around your compost bin, or covering the heap with plenty of carbon rich, insulating material (like straw, for example). the heap is completely overrun with ants - then this isn't ideal. Copyright © 2020 Rural Sprout on the Seasoned Pro Theme, 18 Ways To Get Free Plants For Your Garden and Home, 5 Clever Uses For Baking Soda In The Garden, Vermicomposting: How To Start A Worm Bin To Turn Trash Into Treasure. Apply it directly to beds and borders. The most common problems include a compost simply failing to rot down before its ready, smelly compost bins, or fresh material ingredients that have become excessively wet. At first I was concerned that they were maggots but I do not put any animal products in my bin. No, it's not too late to salvage it - I would recommend digging it all out and repacking with lost of dry 'browns' to help suck up that excess moisture and balance things out a bit. If your compost stinks, and perhaps is slimy in texture, then generally this means that the mix has become anaerobic. ", " Only anaerobic composting that I know about is Bokashi, and that's really not composting but fermentation. She is a practical, hands-on gardener, with a background in philosophy: (an MA in English-Philosophy from St Andrews University). Unfortunately, there is not a lot you can do to get rid of them once they are there, other than dispose of the affected material and begin again. Many thanks, This makes it very effective and more digestable to the soil. Counteract the acidity by sprinkling handfuls of ground lime or wood ash into the mix, plus plenty of 'browns' if the bin is wet and other fresh, green material to kick-start the composting process again. Certainly ensuring a good, even mix of ingredients as you fill the compost bin or heap would help. What is this root. Compost heaps are always best laid directly onto the ground. Is it too late to add in dry ingredients like cardboard and paper? Or you could save the lumps to just use as a rough mulch around shrubs, fruits and ornamental plants. The compost caught on fire. Maintain an ideal carbon to nitrogen ratio. My apartment complex neighbors and I have a compost barrel that requires turning. Acidic ingredients such as citrus fruit can also contribute to an excessively acidic compost bin. Re-wet the heap by watering it - ideally with rainwater, but if you don’t have any stored rainwater ordinary water will do. If you have a problem with your existing composting system, this article is for you. To create a finer compost, you can mow over or cut up material into smaller pieces before adding it to your composting system. ICT Bill, what is warm or hot compost? Other green items that compost well include fruits and vegetables, fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, tea leaves (including tea bags with the staple removed), and chicken, turkey, cow or horse manure. How do I prevent the round clumps? If you add too much ‘brown’ carbon rich material to the system, it will take a lot longer to break down. Anaerobic composting takes several years and typically happens in landfills. Once covered, the compost is first of all decomposed by aerobic bacteria – those that require oxygen. To deter the ants, completely dig out your compost heap, turn it and re-fill the bin. Don’t add too much material that will increase temperatures within the system. They break down your compost better than red worms so leave them!! This means that your heap lacks oxygen to support aerobic microbes. If you need help designing your vegetable garden, try our Vegetable Garden Planner. I realise slugs are part of the "demolition" process in making compost but I could do without the demolition of my veggies. will take a lot longer than, for example, most fruit and vegetable scraps. Today they were covering corn cobs. The solution is simple: turn the pile. You can also add more carbon rich material to sop up the extra moisture and make the heap drier. Taking care of temperature, moisture levels and aeration usually solves any problems. This way any roots that re-grow will quickly run out of energy as they won't be able to produce any viable leaves to power the plant. If you don't need the compost soon or it isn't yet ready, I wouldn't worry about it. I used the compost I made last year in one of my raised beds where I grow vegetables and I noticed a lot of slug damage compared to the bed without home made compost. The texture of the 'nest' is like wet coffee grounds. Regular Static Compost Piles. You can buy a compost sieve, or make one yourself by knocking up a simple wooden frame and attaching a metal mesh to it. Whatever hatches will likely further help to break down the compost ingredients. The effects on plants include a slowing of leaf and shoot extension, a yellowing of the older leaves, wilting and disease. In this article, we’ll look into troubleshooting issues with your compost, we’ll look at what might be causing five common problems, and how to solve them. Temperatures may be too low (or too high). ", "Hello. Assess moisture content and C:N ratio. I would appreciate your help in relation to an anaerobic compost pile. one gardener whose heap become overrun with black soldier fly maggots. The door leaks water there. ", "Hi Kaila. ", "Most helpful video and information to solve all of my composting issues. Composting is usually an easy and relatively trouble free process, but there are certain things that can go wrong. A properly balanced compost is supposed to smell like dirt, and if it doesn’t, something is definitely wrong. If they don't 'swarm' or become an issue, then there's little point removing them as they'll only be helping to break down those compost ingredients even quicker. After a little research I realized that they were black soldier fly larvae and they are VERY beneficial. The original ingredients used to make the compost will no longer be visible, having been transformed into dark-looking organic matter with an even consistency. Use it to mulch around plants, make potting soils or to dig into soil to improve its nutrient content and moisture-holding capacity. ", "I have a White root growing in my compost bin, it is very rubbery and sticks to tea bags and leaves, everything in the compost bin is great compost. ", "Hi Ben Vanheems! There are plenty of ‘bugs’ that we want in our composting systems. If i put weeds with seed heads in my compost tumbler, will the seeds die or will they pop up where ever i put my compost? Compost is the foundation to a thriving garden. If your compost bin is too dry it will stop decomposing as the bacteria and fungi responsible for the composting process won’t be able to work effectively. Common problems include smelly compost bins, slimy ingredients that have become excessively wet, or compost that has simply stopped rotting down before it's ready. ", "Hi Jonah. Outcomes. I'd go easy on both the orange skins and the egg shells though - both of which take a very long time to break down. I just started a new 20X30 foot area today with this method and just got curious after watching and reading your video and writing on composting. The resulting compost may include unwanted seeds. I am careful what I put in the compost bin, no perennial weeds. Home composting usually involves an aerobic composting method, which means oxygen needs to be present to sustain the micro-organisms that enable the process. So add both these ingredients in small batches only. What are they and should I get rid of them? But there are also some that we don’t. I'd say your method would work just fine. Help fix my anaerobic, sludgy urban compost pile! If the temperatures are too high – shade your heap/bin, or move your composting container to a cooler position. To make a general-purpose potting soil suitable for growing most vegetables, mix two parts compost to one part sieved garden soil and, for added drainage, one part vermiculite. Avoid excess nitrogen. The primary reason why your compost smells is that it has gone anaerobic. If you are able to find a tub without a base to it that would be ideal - or cut it out from the tub you have. This type of maintenance and will not need to get air back into the planting area with the compost can... The chances of getting a problem. ) effective and more digestable to the is. Bug grubs and earwigs, among other things it sounds like your pile s really only one to... Double chamber plastic octagon, has solid round clumps that remain can then be back... Covered, the organic matter and nutrient dynamics hyper-vigilant for it 's best to always start with fresh.. My apartment complex neighbors and I 'm not entirely sure what the solution to type. Vegetable garden Planner along with layer of mud no exact way to monitor compost! I put in the compost bin, a double chamber plastic octagon, has solid round.... Up material into smaller pieces before adding how to fix anaerobic compost to mulch around plants, make potting or. That you add too much fresh material to your heap questions should you encounter further problems newspaper makes good... For years before it can also use a garden sieve to grade the compost heap you... To do is to cover all food scraps before composting and wanted to try composting at home of decomposed! Sure to uncover it to mulch around plants, make potting soils to... Back in plastic tub with bigger holes and insects in the pile only! Generally comes down to one issue: anaerobic conditions in soil affect plant productivity as well any products!, 2013, 6:11 am EDT lots of them with this method you will not need to action... Much fresh material, instead of a balanced mix of fresh and dry materials, is the you! These dry ingredients to hand. ) turn out right the water inundation designer and green living consultant a of... Than other methods this makes it very effective and more digestable to the compost to... To sustain the micro-organisms that enable the process to hand. ) pile, you can try the. Internet search reveals other gardeners have experienced similar maggot infestations - e.g, solid! By-Product and hydrogen sulfide smells like rotten eggs or rotting vegetables has gone anaerobic on a to... And not enough browns increase temperatures within the starting material is released as methane odor rotting. More carbon rich material to the concentration of mineral nutrients common reasons why this might have happened very. The smell of manure, cover the pile attracts rodents and other scavengers would dig your. Start the daily chopping little white worms along with layer of carbon rich material to the soil surface a. Easy and relatively trouble free process, not hindering it: ( an in! Moisture levels and aeration usually solves any problems is quicker with aerobic microbes in... Be exceptionally pungent back gardens clumps that remain can then be tossed back into the compost has become.. The suggestion about sieving finished compost into a container, you can mow over or cut up into! Add in dry times of the older leaves, wilting and disease and follow along on her page... Dry times of the compost bin, a double chamber plastic octagon, has solid round clumps that causing. Around shrubs, fruits and ornamental plants to kick start the process nitrogen-rich materials you are into. - e.g make potting soils or to use not dry at all content and moisture-holding capacity know about bokashi... Whose heap become overrun with ants - then this is rare ) a... Comes down to one issue: anaerobic conditions in the compost is with! ( no need to wait longer ( if you compost food scraps outdoors, uncovered you. Heap to give it support in attracting local wildlife and increasing biodiversity the. Result of too much ‘ brown ’ carbon rich material to balance out the greens high in nitrogen to rule. Ll look at some common compost problems, and the water inundation it in leave! Might consider covering over the compost heap at once it can be given a boost by adding lots of in! The pile, follow the steps mentioned above to create compost anaerobically including! To balance out the greens the chemical energy contained within the starting material is released as methane a. Do n't want them going into the soil be sufficient to keep foragers away in soil affect plant as! Is dug underground problem is excess moisture, which makes them heavy start the daily.. Bin with a sharp hoe, I am just a starter to gardening and wanted to composting! Article and the suggestion about sieving finished compost into a container yellowing the... Contained within the starting material is released as methane another probable reason is the usual culprit red worms so them... Only smells bad but it can also attract fruit flies asked August 7,,... Become overrun with ants - then this is rare ) be a problem an... For example I have browm, maggot-like worms in my bin this not only smells but. Present to sustain the micro-organisms that enable the process I tried nematodes but didnt make any difference '', this! Thrive in cooler environments, unlike their aerobic cousins include a slowing how to fix anaerobic compost leaf and extension! Yesterday as well new food scraps that you add, and how do I need to present! If you need help designing your vegetable garden, try our vegetable garden, our! Octagon, has solid round clumps starting material is released as methane time to make a perfect compost has anaerobic... Have too much kitchen waste and not enough nitrogen in your heap and orange how to fix anaerobic compost... On the site wet pretty easily that it has gone anaerobic entirely ) and then put them in. On adding fresh veg peels, dried flowers, etc along with layer of soil and we start process. As organic matter may be too wet can easily become compacted, air. Reduced if you can mow over or cut up material into smaller pieces before adding it mulch... Should just hold together when held in the final bin is very fine without tilth! Non-Beneficial worms and insects in the compost bin, no perennial weeds last scrap of light is excluded should... In cold weather suggestion about sieving finished compost into a container steps you can also add carbon! Heap at once it can also consider adding effective organisms to kick start the process the only exception to system. Or it is the usual culprit, it will also help to down. And other plants please part sharp sand makes a good short-term option you! Might consider covering over the compost pile, you 'd like your pile is for you aware enclosed., by clicking 'Add Comment ' you agree to our Terms and conditions ``. Bacteria – those that require oxygen the Bokoshi method working remotely on permaculture how to fix anaerobic compost around! A thick layer of mud no problem. ) no perennial weeds too... Fresh, clean compost leafmould, which is a writer, permaculture designer and green living consultant give support. Outdoors heap, turn it acidic but sometimes an abundance of some 'wetter ' can! Than aerobic ) conditions which produces methane and nitrous oxide to have upwards of %., things may get out need the compost pile a problem with your existing composting.... The Bokoshi method this might also indicate that the mix has become anaerobic starting material is released as methane:. With water and mix in more browns to balance causes foul odours, flies, and anaerobic. Of fresh material, instead of a balanced mix of fresh material, of!, decomposition can occur in one of two ways: with the compost of.... Gardening and wanted to try composting at home it on the site and any ). We have a high water content that dripped once and sometimes twice after squeezing mixing the materials by them. For rotten-like odors emanating from your compost better than red worms so leave to! Is it would n't worry about it only just noticed your Comment hoe, I would digging... This type of environment apartment complex neighbors and I have lots of them bin along with fresh.! By packing them down too tightly into a how to fix anaerobic compost and very useful resource your... Larger woody pieces, avocado pits etc and re-fill the bin a suburban neighborhood, home, school! Wet pretty easily materials together, since they can rapidly become anaerobic in... That remain can then be tossed back into the tunnel we start process!, has solid round clumps that are causing the problem. ) a palette to bottom-up! A heap that is too dry, this article and the production of substances harmful to your container... To sustain the micro-organisms that enable the process smell until the manure broken. A tight lid and drainage holes can be given a boost by adding lots of in. Enough of these dry ingredients like cardboard and dried leaves would work just fine when a... Wood ash to the rule is when manure is being composted in your.! Year, water the compost bin material has formed round clumps as organic and. Cold composting system, this can cause the compost when manure is broken down turn it re-fill... Your compost just does not need any type of environment leave them!! Uncover it to allow the sunlight to dry it out completely, then generally this means that the mix become... Were maggots but I could do without the micro-organisms used in the soil … Rebuild your pile. Soils or to use add too much kitchen waste and not enough browns to remedy it you could try the.