Common FAQs About Composting

Composting is an excellent way to recycle and feed the soil to help your plants, trees and flowers grow. More and more people are recognizing the benefits to composting and are making it a habit to add compost around their landscaping. You may have heard all about compost, but are still a little skeptical or maybe you just have some questions. At Greenwood Hardware, you will find the answers to your composting needs as well as any equipment or tools you need to do your own composting.

How Long Does it Take Refuse to Break Down and Become Compost?

The time will vary depending on the material in the bin, heat, aeration and the moisture of your compost pile. Expect to wait anywhere from two to six months to use your compost heap.

Do Compost Piles Smell Bad?

Generally they do not smell bad. When refuse is first added to the pile, there may be a slight odor, but it doesn’t smell like a landfill. There is an earthy smell that tells you things are progressing as they should. If smell is an issue, consider using one of the closed compost bins.

What Can I Use my Compost On?

Compost is an excellent additive to the soil. The nutrients will feed the roots of plants, trees and flowers in the soil. You can also use it as a mulch to keep the ground moist. Compost isn’t a fertilizer per se, but it does help add nutrients to the soil.

Do I Need to add Lime or other Items to the Compost Pile?

You do not need to add anything to your compost. Let nature take its course. Adding things like lime may ultimately throw off the pH of the pile and you could be creating compost that has little value or too strong.

Why Turn the Compost Heap?

In order for the materials in the heap to break down, they need plenty of heat, air and moisture. By regularly turning the heap, you are making sure the breakdown of the material is happening evenly. The stuff in the middle of the bin needs air in order to keep from rotting.

What Can I Compost?

You can compost nearly anything from your kitchen or yard. Avoid adding weeds to your compost pile. There are a handful of food items that should never be added; meat, bones, materials that contain chemicals and fecal matter from cats or dogs.

How Do I Know When my Compost is Ready?

One of the key signs to look for is the overall look of your compost. If you cannot recognize the materials because they have broken down, your compost is ready. If you can identify a few things, that is okay too. Mix the compost into the ground and it will continue to break down while feeding the soil. Compost that is ready to spread will often resemble dark dirt. It will be crumbly and will have an earthy smell. If you see a few chunky pieces or sticks, pull them out and toss them back into the bin for the next round.

These are some of the most common questions people have when it comes to getting started with composting. There is no exact science to composting. It really is tossing what we would normally see as garbage into a big pile and letting nature take its course. If you are not ready to make your own compost or simply don’t have the time or inclination, you can still take advantage of the natural soil additive by buying bags of compost. Greenwood Hardware has exactly what you need, whether you decide to compost on your own or purchase your compost by the bag! And if you have any questions, we are here for you. Come on in, or contact us today!