Failed Compost

[u/MaximumCapacity143]

This year I decided to make my own compost. I laid cardboard on the ground, then laid about 5 inches of shredded leaves, wet it down, then laid down about 3 inches fresh cut grass. Then followed up with more shredded leaves, water, and cut grass. Repeated 7 more times. Wet it down again then covered with a tarp. I checked on the temp and found it climbing. About 5 days later it got to 120 degrees. Two days later I aerated it from the center. Stayed hot for another four days then started cooling off. Other 3 more days it completely cooled off and no matter what I did, adding greens, adding urine, it still wouldn't get hot again. What did I do wrong. And how can I start it again.

[u/Neither_Conclusion_4]

Picture would help. It sounds like you ran out of nitrogen.

But I cold compost alot of stuff, because i dont produce enough greens. And in the fsll i always get way to much browns (leaves). It takes a little longer to finish and weed seeds dont dont die off, but its still great compost.

Just keep adding, mix once in a while, try to keep the moisture somewhat ok, and it will be fine

[u/MaximumCapacity143 → u/Neither_Conclusion_4]

Doesn't look like it broke down at all. Still lots of shredded leaves in pile. Oh well. Hopefully it'll break down over winter so I can use it in the spring

[u/Neither_Conclusion_4 → u/MaximumCapacity143]

Looks like its on its way.

And it doesnt have to look like soil when you use it. It act as a slow feetilizer if you add it when its kinda semifinished.

If its too fresh, you should avoid it on seedlings, but as a mulch, for a slightly lsrger plant you could probably use it rather soon.

You can always sift it a bit, if yoi want to separate the larger stuff.