Hey folks, I tried making compost for the first time last year, but I'm not sure it truly activated. The pile doesn't smell bad and everything seems to be decomposing, but it's cold and lacks that moist, homogenous texture. I started this compost pile back in January 2024 and kept adding things like fruit peels, veggies, eggshells, coffee grounds, and dry leaves until last fall. I feel like I know what to improve for next time, but my main question is: Can I still use this half-formed compost in my soil for my summer garden, or could it be harmful? I plan to use a good organic soil for my seeds in pots, and then mix this compost into the ground and my pots, letting it sit for about three months before transplanting in June. What do you think?
4 Answers
It should be okay to use that compost! If it's not fully broken down, one option is to screen it through hardware cloth to filter out the bigger pieces. If you don't want to do that, just sift out the larger bits and mix what's mature into your soil. However, do it sooner rather than later, as decomposing material can tie up nutrients temporarily before enriching your soil. Small heaps can be a bit tricky, but they still work!
It'll take longer to break down if the compost isn't hot, so consider turning it regularly to help it along. Just be aware that introducing it now could temporarily pull nitrogen from the soil, delaying its re-nourishing effect. So it might need some time to balance out.
You should be fine putting that compost directly into your garden bed! Just make sure to incorporate it well. If you're looking for ideas, check out trench composting—it can really enhance your soil and attract worms. Just be cautious of critters like squirrels and raccoons that might dig around for scraps. A little chicken wire can help keep them away!
Thanks for the advice! I definitely need to consider trench composting. Critters have been a problem for me before, so I’ll get that wire up.
Your less-than-perfect compost will still work well in your garden, but it’s best to incorporate it as soon as possible to give it time to decompose further. Your overall plan sounds great, so get that compost mixed in!
Awesome, I’ll follow your advice and separate the larger parts. Do you think three months will be enough for it to break down further?