Composting Troubleshooting
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Compost wants balance: greens (nitrogen) + browns (carbon) + air + a little moisture.
Common problems
Smelly/anaerobic (like ammonia or rot)
- Add dry browns: shredded cardboard, paper, dry leaves.
- Stir/aerate weekly. Create air pockets with a fork or branch.
- Keep moist like a wrung sponge, not wet.
Fruit flies
- Always bury food scraps under browns.
- Cover surface with cardboard “lid” or old sack.
- Avoid frequent citrus peels in small systems.
Too wet, sludgy
- Stop adding wet scraps. Mix in sawdust/leaves.
- Check for rain ingress; add a lid.
Too dry, not breaking down
- Lightly water; add more greens (coffee grounds, veg trimmings).
- Chop scraps smaller.
Winter tips (UK)
- Insulate the bin (old duvet/cardboard around sides).
- Feed smaller amounts, pre‑mix with browns.
- Bokashi + worm bins work well indoors/garages.
What can/can’t go
Yes: veg scraps, coffee, tea (paper bags), crushed eggshells, plain paper/card.
No: meat, fish, oily foods, glossy/coloured card, “compostable” plastic in cold home systems.
When is it ready?
Dark, earthy smell; you can’t recognise original scraps. Sieve if you want a finer finish.
Minimal routine
- Caddy → bin every 2–3 days.
- Each time add a handful of browns.
- Stir weekly; top with cardboard.