Comments on: In a hurry? Here’s the ultimate one page guide to composting.

By: Steve

Steve — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 18:50:28 +0000

@Alina, No, most four panel type composters with lids are not insulated; I would do as you suggested and try to insulate it. Worse case, if the material inside freezes you will have to wait for spring, reactivate it and start again.

By: alina

alina — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 21:23:05 +0000

I have a standard four panel composter with lid. Its my first time composting and im starting during the winter in Illinois. I read that you can start a compost pile any time of the year, but Im also aware of the insulation that it needs to keep the temperatures regular for the decomposition to start. Is this bin able to do that alone, without an external insulation? or should I build a layer of straw bales around it for proper insulation for the winter?

By: Steve

Steve — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 16:56:59 +0000

@james, If you plan to compost wood, it will break down much quicker if you chip or shred it. Make sure you have a good mix of other browns and some greens and keep it moist and aerated.

By: james

james — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 17:04:06 +0000

what makes wood compost better? if you put wholes throu the wood

By: Steve

Steve — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 14:02:48 +0000

@areesha, You should not add meat, bones or dairy to your compost pile. If it has a strong odor then you are doing something wrong. When composting correctly it should smell likely nothing or smell earthy, similar to dirt.

By: areesha

areesha — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 14:11:09 +0000

plese tell me what is not ok for compost and how does your compost smell if its not ok

By: Art

Art — Sun, 15 May 2011 22:42:22 +0000

What a cool site. Every question I had about composting was answered here. Great questions too, not to mention the knowledge of the site admin. Thanks for all the help.

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Wed, 11 May 2011 17:21:44 +0000

Well, I filled my compost bin and wasn’t quite sure what to do with it, so I let it sit. For 2 years. I just opened it and it’s pure liquid and smells like death. Is this usable?
Also, was I supposed to be draining the liquid out of the compost bin? It NEVER turned into dirt, just sludge…I’m SO lost!

By: Steve

Steve — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 13:19:19 +0000

@Tamera, There are several options. You may want to try compositing with bokashi in a sealed bucket, http://www.cleanairgardening.com/kitchen.html
You can also use a bin on a stand, like a Tumbler. When adding material keep fruit and vegetables buried deep within the other material, this will make it less attractive to the bugs. It may take some trial an error but don’t give up if you don’t first succeed.

By: Steve

Steve — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 13:12:05 +0000

@SarahC, Yes, you can store the finished compost in a plastic bin, or a plastic bag. Make sure it’s not wet compost, let it dry. You don’t want to have a mold issue. Try to fill the bag or bin as much as possible and remove as much air as possible.