Need help starting a compost?
Posted by admin in Question & Answers, tags: compost, help, need, StartingQuestion by LeeH: Need help starting a compost?
I started composting a few weeks ago in a large plastic container. I researched and I know what I can and cannot put into the compost. It’s been fruit/veg scraps, coffee grounds, a few egg shells, some trimmings from my yard and grass cuttings so far. I’m in AZ. It’s very hot and dry (around 100 degrees F).
My compost seems dry and doesn’t really look like its decomposing nicely (but it doesn’t stink and it is shrinking).
*I’m wondering if the grass clippings are too dry (our burmuda grass is very coarse/rough here). Should I hold off on adding them?
*Should I add any water/let rain water flow in naturally (monsoon season is starting). Or should it be dry?
*I’ve heard you can add newspaper? Mine seems too dry for that..
*The container gets sun most of the morning and shade in the afternoon (but still very hot temp). I haven’t covered it with anything. Should I?
*Should I add some compost/starter from the nursery to get it going?
Thanks for your suggestions!
Best answer:
Answer by sheloves_dablues
You need to cover it. Without a cover it’s just drying up. A cover will increase the temperature, induce condensation and begin the actual composting process.
What do you think? Answer below!
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As your compost pile is in a plastic container, it is in an enclosed area.Your compost pile should be well-drained and aerated. Besides your compost should be moist and should compose of 3 parts plant scraps or clippings and 1 part animal manure.
I hope this helps.
Air, moisture and nitrogen are the key ingredients. Take a look at this site, it has lots of goof info.
http://www.110mag.com/archives/0310/0310e/0310e.shtml