Composting Troubleshooting Guide for Common Problems
This is a retelling of Chapter 9 from Backyard Farming: Composting by Kim Pezza. Consider this your quick-reference guide for when something goes wrong with your pile. Because something will go wrong eventually. That’s just composting.
Pile Problems
Too wet from rain? Turn the pile to aerate it and cover it loosely with a tarp. Don’t seal it tight. Air still needs to get in.
Too dry? Water it. A sprinkler works fine. Aerate the pile and add some greens to generate heat. You’re aiming for a damp sponge feel. Squeeze a handful and it should feel moist but not drip.
Damp, smells fine, but no heat? Your carbon-to-nitrogen balance is probably off. Add more greens (nitrogen sources) to kick-start the microbial activity.
Rotten egg smell? Not enough oxygen, probably too wet. Turn the pile and add greens to open things up.
Ammonia smell? Too much nitrogen. Add browns (carbon sources like dried leaves, newspaper, cardboard) to balance it out.
Bug and Pest Situations
Random bugs in your compost? Usually not a problem. Most insects are actually helping the decomposition process. Before you use the finished compost, spread it on paper in the sun and let any remaining insects leave on their own.
Ants? Your pile is too dry. Moisten it and turn it to break up the nest. They’ll relocate.
Flies? Cover food waste with a layer of greens, soil, or existing compost. That said, some flying insects are beneficial to the process. Check what you’re dealing with before you go on a bug war.
Animals getting into the pile? Bury kitchen scraps deeper and mix them with soil or compost. Stop composting meats and dairy if you haven’t already. If the problem continues, you might need an animal-proof bin with a secure cover.
Plants Growing in Your Compost
This actually happens more than you’d think. It means your pile never got hot enough to kill the seeds. Just pull the weeds out.
But here’s a fun twist Pezza mentions: if the plants growing are vegetables, fruits, or herbs, consider transplanting them. Free plants. The compost gods gave you a gift.
Worm Questions
Can I add red worms to my outdoor pile? Yes, but a healthy pile that sits on the ground will attract worms naturally. If you want to buy them, check local bait shops or order online. Just be aware of shipping restrictions in extreme weather.
My worms died. This usually comes down to improper or too-dry bedding. Buy new worms, fix whatever went wrong, and try again. Worms are forgiving in the sense that you can always start over.
Worms clumped in a ball? The bin is too cold. Move it to a warmer spot or bring it inside. Worms aren’t fans of freezing temperatures. Neither are most of us.
Composting Through Winter
Can I start a pile in winter? Yes. The decomposition process slows down or stops in the cold, but it picks right back up when temperatures rise. You’re basically just stockpiling materials until spring.
How do I keep composting over winter? Insulate the pile with straw, leaves, or newspaper. Cover it with a dark tarp to absorb heat. Move the bin closer to your house so you actually use it when it’s cold out. Keep adding materials at the right C:N ratio and chop everything smaller than usual. Smaller pieces break down faster once things warm up.
Composting in Dry or Drought Areas
Use a plastic barrel or bucket to help retain moisture. Soak each layer as you build the pile. Shape the top into a bowl or crater so it collects rainwater. After heavy rain, check for puddles at the bottom. Standing water is just as bad as being too dry.
Storing Finished Compost
You can store finished compost, but the longer you store it, the more nutrients it loses. For ground-level piles, just cover with a tarp. You can also use dark plastic bags or garbage bins with drainage holes punched in them. Store in a dry area and keep an eye on moisture and mold. Adding some browns and greens periodically helps maintain quality.
Storing Compost Tea
Yes, you can store compost tea, but only for about six days max. Keep it in a sealed, light-proof container. If you need to store it longer, you have to keep it aerated. An aquarium pump with a bubbler does the job. Without aeration, the beneficial microorganisms die off and you’re left with murky water that doesn’t do much.
My Take
Most composting problems come back to the same three things: too wet, too dry, or wrong carbon-to-nitrogen ratio. Once you internalize those basics, troubleshooting becomes pretty intuitive. Smell bad? Fix the moisture or the ratio. Not heating up? Add greens. Bugs? Probably fine, leave them alone.
The winter and storage sections are worth bookmarking if you live somewhere with actual seasons. And honestly, the compost tea storage tip about the aquarium pump is one of those things that sounds weird but actually works perfectly.
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