7 Common composting mistakes

 Common composting mistakes to avoid

1. Never put compost!

First, it is worth noting that the biggest mistake you can make is not making compost. If you have not already composted food waste from your home and have organic matter from your garden, you should start immediately!

There is a method of making compost that is suitable for every situation - you need to find what is right for you and take the fall.

2. Selecting the wrong composting method

No matter where you live or what your situation is, there is a method of making compost that suits you. But it is important to think carefully about which composting method to choose.

In situations with plenty of outdoor space, there are a variety of options to consider. For example, you may have:

A simple cold-compost pile (or more than one).

Cold mixing tanks or other containers.

An insulated pile or tank, or special containers for making hot compost. (Hot composting involves the decomposition of materials at high temperatures, which speeds up the process.)

3. Putting the composting method in the wrong place

Whatever method of composting you choose, it is important to keep it in the right place.

One mistake I always make is hiding the compost heap - for example, behind a shed. Often, composting systems are placed on a small scale near the environmental conditions at the site, or in growing areas or other areas of the garden.

It is important to think about whether the site you choose can provide the right temperature, water levels, and other conditions for decay. But it is also important to think about how easy it is to carry materials to the pile and deliver the finished manure to its final destination.

4. Selecting methods that make composting difficult at the same time

Personally, I do not like compost bins or containers that need to be taken out or dug up before they can be sorted and used.

Although there are plenty of easy options to choose from, I prefer the simple part of making my own compost. I used old wooden planks to create a border for my pile, which can be easily removed when it comes time to get the material on the front.

If the compost is inaccessible or difficult to recover, the chances of you staying on top of it and getting a stable structure are very low.

5. Letting the compost get too hot

Hot composting is a different process from cold composting. It depends on various environmental processes and microorganisms. Most household compost is cold compost.

Allowing the compost to get too hot can actually be counterproductive. This can lead to excessive moisture loss and, in extreme cases, even kill the organisms you rely on to help decompose.

Temperature is especially important in the preparation of vermicompost. If the temperature inside the system is high the worms may become lethargic or die.

Make sure the composting system is shaded in hot summer weather, and if you are making compost indoors - think carefully about where you place it and avoid placing it too close to heat sources such as radiators or stoves.

6. Release the compost very cold

Letting the compost system too cold can also be a problem. If you live in a cold winter area and make compost outside, you may want to consider storing your manure to continue the decomposition process during the colder months.

Fertilizer production in cold climates is significantly reduced during the winter months. But taking steps to keep the compost warm will help ensure the compost is made even when the weather is very cold.

7. Do not let the compost get too wet

When the compost is too wet, the mixture becomes less aerated. You may find yourself switching to anaerobic processes, which means the mixture will start to stink.

If you compost with worms, the worms may sink into a compost container filled with moisture. But in any system, leaving the pile too wet will reduce the rate of decay.

If you are making compost in a worm or any other container with a base, it is a good idea to have a hose and a drain sump near the base so you can drain excess liquid. (You can also use the exhaust fluid in a liquid plant feed.)