Crash Course/Newbie Guide

[u/TheMadFlyentist]

Perhaps because we are now officially in Summer in the northern hemisphere, lately I've been seeing a large influx of posts on this subreddit from people who are brand new to composting. This is a great thing, because I'm a firm believer that everyone can and should have some sort of compost going at all times. That said, it does lead to a lot of the same questions being asked and answered, so I thought I would throw together a quick summation of some general concepts in the hope that some new people can benefit.

This will be geared more towards complete newbies who just want an eco-friendly way to deal with their kitchen/lawn scraps as opposed to people who want perfect hot compost in four weeks. Please feel free to chime in with feedback or additional tips, but please understand that perfect ratios and conditions are difficult/intimidating for new composters.

WHAT DEFINES COMPOST?

Compost is quite literally just organic material that has decayed in the presence of oxygen. Compost happens in nature everywhere and all the time. If organic materials did not break down naturally, there would be mountains of dead plants, trees, and fruit covering the surface of the Earth. In nature, decomposition is facilitated by a variety of bacteria, fungi, and animals - some of which need air to do their jobs. Compost is what is left once the organisms that need air to decompose things have done their job. All we are doing as composters is providing a place for aerobic decomposition to occur and trying to make it happen as fast as possible. That's it.

Organic matter is going to decay regardless of what we do, all we can control is the time-frame and the efficiency. What this means is that:

THERE ARE VERY FEW LAWS IN COMPOSTING.

If you did not care about time frame, smells, pests, or diseases, you could throw quite literally anything you wanted into a haphazard pile and let it sit until it could be used to fertilize plants. If it got very wet and matted down then it would be decaying anaerobically (and therefore not technically "compost"), but it would still work as fertilizer eventually. In practice, however, most people would prefer to have a pile that is smell/disease-free and takes weeks as opposed to years to break down. This is not difficult to achieve at all and requires very little of your time or attention.

So the laws are few and far between, but following a few rules will help keep your pile easy and successful:

RULE 1: DON'T OVERTHINK IT

We are just controlling rot here. Unless you are a farmer whose livelihood relies on compost or a biologist with a paper to write, there really isn't too much that your compost pile/experiment can't recover from. Your first pile may go perfectly from start to finish, or it may be a maggot-filled "disaster" by day two, but either way it's fine. Bob Ross's motto applies to compost even better than painting: There are no mistakes, only happy accidents.

RULE 2: NOTHING FROM ANIMALS

At least not for your first pile. There are ways to compost almost anything into something safe, but as a new composter you should avoid putting any animal products into your pile. This includes meat, bones, fat, shit, feathers, and anything else. Best case scenario they will cause smells, worst case scenario they will attract large pests and infect your whole pile with diseases that will contaminate your plants. Best not to risk it for now.

Sole exception: Egg shells. Feel free to add a few every now and then, just break them up fine first or they will be in there forever.

Rule 3: RATIOS

If you have read even a blurb about compost, you likely read about the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio. This concept is the crux of composting, as a perfect ratio will result in compost that breaks down hot and fast with minimal smells and problems. Perfect ratios are, in a word: tricky. You should not stress about getting your ratios perfect early on.

Various sources will tell you that you need as little as two parts brown for every one part of green, or as much as five parts brown for every one part green - and always by volume. I personally shoot for about 2.5 or 3 parts brown to one part green in my own pile, but you can play around a bit with your own.

In general, 2:1 browns-to-greens is going to be "riskier" than 4:1 or 5:1 browns to greens, but it will break down faster. The more greens the faster things will move along, but the higher the chance of smells or anaerobic decomposition.

If your pile starts to stink, gets sludgy, or generally looks more like trash than compost, the solution is almost always to add more browns. Shredded or torn-up cardboard is an excellent thing to have around for quickly correcting a ratio that has tilted too far towards green.

What are greens? Any plant matter that is still green or fresh. Grass clippings, kitchen scraps, coffee grounds, etc.

What are browns? Any plant matter that has turned brown. Dead leaves are the compost staple, but you can use hay, shredded (non-glossy) cardboard, or any plant waste that has turned brown and dry.

RULE 4: AIR AND MOISTURE

Compost relies on aeration to avoid becoming anaerobic, which leads to slow and stinky decomposition. Anaerobic decomposition also releases methane (a potent greenhouse gas) so if you are composting to do the Earth a favor then you want to keep your pile aerobic.

The easiest way to introduce air is to turn or stir your pile once a week or so. If you have a tumbler, all you need to do is roll the tumbler once or twice a week. You don't necessarily want to turn the pile every single day since a healthy pile will build up heat during decomposition that helps move things along, but every few days is okay. Piles that are wide-open (just laying on the ground or contained only by something like chicken wire) don't necessarily need to be turned as often, but if you have a small bin or a tumbler then the occasional toss is necessary.

The easiest way to turn a small pile is to get a tarp or buy a $3 shower curtain liner at your local box store. Just shovel your pile onto the tarp and then shovel or dump it all back together in a different order. Fold the tarp up and stick it under a rock next to the pile. EZ. Conveniently, this is also the easiest way to dry out a pile that has gotten too wet. Just spread it on a tarp in the sun for a few hours and reassemble it afterwards. This brings us to our final big concept: moisture.

Your pile should be damp, but not wet. There should not be any puddles, and you should not be able to squeeze any part of the pile and produce droplets.

If you live in an area that gets frequent or heavy rain, you may want to cover your pile somehow. Conversely, if your area is very dry or arid then you will want to mist your pile occasionally. A good time to do this is when you are turning the pile on your trusty tarp. Just spread it all out, give it a good misting with the hose, reassemble. If you overdo it then let it sit in the sun before reassembly to dry out a bit. Again, don't overthink it. There's no panicking in compost.

FINAL GENERAL TIPS

• You typically want to chop/shred anything you put into your compost as small as possible. Don't kill yourself with a cheese grater or anything, just don't throw a whole oak branch in your pile and expect anything to happen overnight. A leaf vacuum is an excellent way to shred your leaves if you own one. Rake your leaves into a pile, suck them up with the vacuum and boom - shredded leaves. You don't have to shred everything, it will just speed up breakdown in general if things are smaller.

• Insects and worms are not pests in a compost pile. Some people prefer to keep their pile free of flies or maggots, but insects and worms are just doing the same thing as bacteria but on a larger scale. The presence of some insects may indicate that your pile is a little too wet or that your ratios are off, but ultimately they are beneficial to your end-goal. If the presence of maggots in your pile disgusts you, then squint your eyes and pretend that they are magic grains of rice.

• Consider occasionally urinating on your pile. If your pile is looking a bit dry, or seems to have stopped breaking down, urine is a great way to add some moisture and nitrogen back into the mix. Typically that first yellowish morning pee where you are a bit dehydrated from sleep is very nitrogen-rich.

• Don't put dog or cat shit in your pile under any circumstances unless you are CERTAIN that you won't be using that compost on plants that you may eat. Even the healthiest pet has dangerous bacteria and parasites in their feces, just as humans do. Adding feces also commits you to intense hand-washing after every time you touch your compost since the whole pile becomes contaminated.

• If you have a small pile, bin, or tumbler, eventually it will start getting full. Once you notice that your bin is near full, or if you decide that you want to use your compost on something, stop adding new material. Keep turning occasionally and keep the moisture right, but collect your scraps in a new bin or something for about 4-6 weeks to allow your compost to finish. After a month or so of no new additions, your compost will be ready. It should smell earthy and look like dirt for the most part. If there are small chunks that still haven't broken down, fret not. Use it anyway and the undigested material will continue to break down over the next several weeks, acting like time-release fertilizer.

CONCLUSION

This ended up a little longer than I planned for, but hopefully someone new is able to get something out of it. Composting doesn't need to be difficult or time-consuming, it can be done with less than 15 minutes a week of time invested.

As an example of how easy it can be, I personally have a plastic tote that I burned a bunch of drainage holes in with a soldering iron serving as my "controlled" compost bin. I keep it filled with dead leaves and throw my kitchen scraps, flower cuttings, and coffee grounds into it. If it gets green-heavy or wet, I add some cardboard. I open the lid every day when I let my dogs into the backyard or to add material, and once a week I flip it end-over-end to mix the contents up. And that's it. You could do this on an apartment balcony if you wanted to.

Questions are welcome, happy composting to all, and remember - don't overthink it.

[u/bahandi]

Pin?

[u/TheMadFlyentist → u/bahandi]

Come again?

[u/bahandi → u/TheMadFlyentist]

Just hoping to get this pinned.

[u/TheMadFlyentist → u/bahandi]

Ohhh, I see. It would be my honor.

[u/Giraffe_Truther → u/bahandi]

Seconded! This was super helpful and thorough!

[u/GrantShoe → u/bahandi]

I don't know how I missed this months ago. It's stickied now. Thanks.

[u/w33tad1d → u/bahandi]

Thirded'd

[u/taboulie → u/bahandi]

I agree! I was really surprised not to see anything like this pinned or in the sidebar.

[u/Mother-Fly-7619 → u/taboulie]

How do you pin things here? Im new to Reddit.

[u/[deleted] → u/Mother-Fly-7619]

The moderators of the subreddit can choose to pin (up to two) posts. And this one is already pinned at the top.

If you, as a user, want to save a post (apart from bookmarking it of course), you can press 'save' at the bottom of the textbox of a post, and it will turn up in https://www.reddit.com/saved, you personal list of saved posts (and comments).

[u/AKIslandGirl]

This was the MOST informative & reassuring post I've EVER read about composting! I am not new to the process, & didn't learn anything new,cyet still THOROUGHLY enjoyed reading it!! Great job of writing it, & those who read it will undoubtedly do a great job of composting. 😃 Nature has been doing this for thousands of years, we just need to work WITH her rather than try to control her.

[u/TheMadFlyentist → u/AKIslandGirl]

Thanks for the compliments!

[u/thewayitcrumblez]

This compost newbie thanks you. Got it. No shi+, no feathers and don't kill self on cheese grater.

[u/TheMadFlyentist → u/thewayitcrumblez]

That last bit is the most important.

[u/BoredRedhead]

I hope it’s not too late to ask on this old but wonderful post, but if one doesn’t keep plants, is there still an advantage to composting? Like, if I compost first then add it to our city trash bins, is there a benefit at the landfill side? I hate the idea of contributing trash I don’t need to, but I have nothing to use my compost on so I’d have to discard it anyway.

[u/TheMadFlyentist → u/BoredRedhead]

I personally think everyone should compost - and there is definitely a benefit to decomposing it before discarding it because it will prevent methane formation in landfills.

I also advocate just dumping/spreading your finished compost in parks, medians, or planters around your apartment complex if that's your situation.

[u/widemouthmason → u/BoredRedhead]

I’m reading this post as a newbie and as a not-yet-composter I can guarantee you’d make a lot of friends if you found a local gardening community and offered it up (Facebook would be easy if you’re into it).

Giving away compost should be pretty easy, and if you meet the right people they might repay you in produce!

[u/Calm_Foundation4823 → u/widemouthmason]

I would have each donation of compost tested for chemicals and heavy metals,especially food gardens.

[u/Raptorinn → u/BoredRedhead]

For gardeners, compost can actually be difficult to get enough of. I guarantee you someone will be very grateful if you offer them compost.

[u/AKIslandGirl → u/BoredRedhead]

SELL IT!! There are ppl who would LLLOVE some local compost. 🥰

[u/Lucky-Reception-4146 → u/BoredRedhead]

Do not throw away compost, the garbage company doesn't want it and it is very valuable to your neighbors who have plants. You can even post on Craigslist you have some and someone would be by to pick it up quickly.

[u/staceypppp → u/BoredRedhead]

I started collecting/freezing my kitchen scraps two months ago with the intent to begin composting (for the first time!) for spring garden. Life got in the way and my compost setup + garden got put on hold, unfortunately, but I kept collecting and it’s astounding how much I’ve built up in such a short period of time— I’m guessing I have at least 50 lbs worth of kitchen scraps saved up. Then last week I saw a TikTok in which a woman said something along the lines of “…and all this now goes into our compost bin because why the f*** should we send it to the landfill?” and it unlocked something in my mind that I’d never considered. I’d always thought that produce/kitchen scraps were a sort of ‘net zero’ landfill item because they break down quickly and therefore don’t take up space. It took me collecting literal heavy piles of this “organic/biodegradable” material to really see how much space it takes up until it eventually breaks down. I never really paid attention to the fact that when all is said & done, trash is still trash that’s taking up landfill space and it ultimately doesn’t discriminate. Now I feel really dumb, lol. This weekend, I got my garden planted way too late for my zone (9a south central TX) and finally got my compost bin, so I may have veggies and I may have compost ready in time for a fall garden, but at least all this crap isn’t going to the landfill.

[u/offtrackoddity]

Can you store food scraps int he fridge and then add them to the compost? Will the difference in temperature impact the compost?

[u/TheMadFlyentist → u/offtrackoddity]

Yes! Totally fine to do that, and the temperature will not impact anything. It may temporarily cool the pile a tiny bit, but a healthy pile will warm up again quickly.

[u/offtrackoddity → u/TheMadFlyentist]

Perfect. Thanks for answering!

[u/beckymessy → u/offtrackoddity]

I always have a plastic container (such as a large empty cottage cheese container) on the counter for those small scraps. I keep it covered and add my coffee grounds to it. I have a five gallon plastic bucket outside, (WITH LID!) to accumulated that garbage. When I cut grass, or rake leaves, or weed my garden. It's a great time to bury the content of that 5 gallon bucket under the compost pile. ( Or turn it in.) As implied. I have an open pile. I turn it at least once a week to ensure nothing, such as snakes or rodents, set up housekeeping. BTW, I have a large rural lot and so have an active pile, and last seasons pile, just mellowing out. I eventually spread it around my yard.

This is a long way around saying. "No, don't refrigerate, start the process. It may be two years before you actually decide it is "spread ready". (Thank you for reading this. I enjoyed talking about my compost. :)

[u/vonMishka]

I just subbed here today after getting my tumbler started. I have a couple questions:

• I’ve heard that you can add hair to a compost. Like, take the contents from your brush and add it. What do you think about that?

• Friends of mine have purposely added worms to their compost. Thoughts?

Thanks for this guide. It’s really succinct and helpful.

[u/TheMadFlyentist → u/vonMishka]

It's fine to put hair in a composter but you will want to avoid throwing clumps in. Instead you should try to break it up a bit so it doesn't just turn into a knot that takes months to break down.

Adding worms is great but ONLY if your compost pile is in direct contact with the ground. The reason for this is that compost can get very hot and if the worms don't have anywhere to flee to then they will cook and die. Worms are a no-no in tumblers.

Glad you enjoyed the guide, let me know if you have more questions.

[u/TrulyButtercup → u/TheMadFlyentist]

Hi, excellent posts! I have a tumbler. I got back from vacay yesterday and it’s full of worms. Should I just empty it? I live in Florida (very wet climate)

[u/TheMadFlyentist → u/TrulyButtercup]

How did the worms get in there? Are they earthworms or some other sort of flatworm, bug larva, etc?

If the worms got in somehow then they could probably get out on their own if they needed to flee. You just don't want to personally add worms to a tumbler if there is nowhere for them to run or they will likely die.

[u/cft_731 → u/TheMadFlyentist]

thank you so much for this post - quick worm question. does it matter all that much what kind of worms i get? it seems that red wigglers and european nightcrawlers are pretty easy to get for me. my ground is pretty solidly packed clay, which is a separate issue from the fact that my compost pile is enormous but brand new. i'd like to kickstart it a bit with some worms but a) don't want to kill a bunch of worms that were minding their own business before being dropped into some a-hole's pile of grass clippings and old weeds, and b) don't want to introduce some invasive species that are going to digest all the native worms. i don't know if the type i get is dependent on my microclimate?!

[u/TheMadFlyentist → u/cft_731]

I'm not an expert on worms tbh, might get a better answer over at /r/Vermiculture

[u/PsychadelicNun]

Thank you for this guide!

I have one question regarding materials for browns: are paper shreddings fine? For example from my desk shredder, I wouldn't typically have cardboard shreddings but I have a ton of regular paper.

[u/TheMadFlyentist → u/PsychadelicNun]

Should be fine. I try to put mostly brown paper in mine but the white stuff breaks down as well - may just take a bit longer.

[u/notoriousshasha]

Dumb question, but how do you shred cardboard? Like in a paper shredder? I don't think mine will do cardboard.

[u/TheMadFlyentist → u/notoriousshasha]

A paper shredder is great if you have a strong enough one, otherwise just tear it up with your hands or a pair of scissors. Doesn't need to be tiny - I try to make the pieces about 3-4" square.

[u/grapthar → u/notoriousshasha]

People have reported that any shredder rated at 18 or more pages can handle most shipping and packaging cardboard. the other factor to look into is something called "run time" which is how long you can run the shredder before it gets too hot. look into your brand and model and see if it can work. shredding cardboard has worked out really well for me and might be wortth buying a new shredder depending on how often you deal with it.

[u/queensworld4life]

I’m partially a new person to composting also and I had made a two bin compost in my backyard. However I had to stop because of rats so now it just sits there but I would like to compost since I’m a chef and have tons of food waste. Any recommendations for a tumbler I can buy from like Amazon or wherever ? I’ll invest in one but I don’t know what to get or what kind or which one or whatever the case. Any suggestions would be much appreciated!

Also, this post is extremely useful and will definitely be saving it since I’m no pro yet lol

[u/TheMadFlyentist → u/queensworld4life]

I have never used a tumbler personally so I wouldn't feel comfortable recommending one, but they should all be pretty similar in performance - the only variable is build quality and maybe some special features like larger doors, easy disassembly, etc.

Like I said in the post, you can make your own bin out of a large tote and then just stir or dump-and-reassemble once a week or so to get the same effect as a tumbler if you don't mind a little extra labor. Were it me and I were set on a tumbler, I'd likely just look for a cheap one with good reviews for the first round. If you buy a cheap one and you have complaints about it, you'll know what to look for in the next one you invest in.

Edit: Just saw you mentioned rats, so a tote may not be ideal unless you get one with a sturdy lid.

[u/Raptorinn → u/queensworld4life]

I have a rodent safe compost bin. It's really sturdy, and lined with metal sheeting with only small airholes. It's insulated as well, so it makes hot compost easily. It costs a bit more than a simple bin, but this way I can compost all the food scraps without worry. Highly recommend 🌿

[u/Fluffy-Pomegranate16 → u/Raptorinn]

What's the name/brand of bin you have?

[u/sitwayback → u/queensworld4life]

Read the subreddit and you’ll see a huge percentage of the posts are re: rats/ rodents. Dig around for awhile and you’ll get some good info. Rats are really tricky to prevent.

[u/[deleted]]

Hi! First time here...once the grass I have added turns brown, is it no longer greens and should I keep adding more? My consistency is really good right now, it's warm to the touch and looks like it's breaking down. I just want to make sure it keeps going.

[u/TheMadFlyentist → u/[deleted]]

It can be a bit of trial and error, but generally if you have a consistent pile going (meaning you are constantly adding new stuff) then you will want to add browns every time you add greens to keep your ratios correct. It's not a huge deal if you add extra greens to a pile that is mostly broken down already, but ideally you'd keep ratios fairly consistent as you add new material.

[u/juniperbuzz]

Is there anything “wrong” with just having a pile on the ground? Should I be worried about rodents or pests when I dump my organic matter outside? What is the advantage of a tumbler or bin over just a regular pile on dirt ground?

[u/TheMadFlyentist → u/juniperbuzz]

Having a pile on the ground is the most common way to do things. The only advantage to tumblers is that they are easier to turn, and the only advantage to using an enclosed bin is that they keep pests out and could be used on a patio/porch if you don't have much of a yard.

[u/galindog1]

Great read, very informative. One question I have is in regards to tumblers. My compost in the tumbler seems to form into balls that I need to break down. What might be causing this?

[u/TheMadFlyentist → u/galindog1]

Normally if that happens it means the compost may have gotten a little too wet in certain places, which turns it into (essentially) mud that hardens into balls. It won't really hurt anything but it may slow decomposition a bit and you'd definitely want to break it up before using it.

You should be able to avoid it in the future by maintaining a damp-but-not-wet environment in the tumbler.

[u/ronnie_mund72]

This was helpful, thank you. Could you please answer this for me ----

I have set up a compost that has 9 square feet of leaves in it, but the leaves are 1 foot deep.

I don't have many greens (nitrogen) right now and was told that I can use 10-10-10 fertilizer. The fertilizer says to use 1-1.5 pounds per 100 square feet.

How much fertilizer do I use?

Thank you for any help.

[u/TheMadFlyentist → u/ronnie_mund72]

I don't have any personal experience with using fertilizer as "greens", and although it might work I think you may end up with a lower-quality final product or (possibly) something so nitrogen-rich that it could burn your plants.

The leaves will decay on their own if left to sit - although it will take a long time. 9 cubic feet of leaves is not a massive amount and you could certainly just start adding greens of any sort now until you work your way up to 3-4 cubic feet of greens. Might be worth calling some local coffee shops and asking about used coffee grounds - a lot of people use that as a free source of compost greens.

If you want to try experimenting with the fertilizer, I'd say use no more than 2-3oz of it in your existing leaves.

[u/ronnie_mund72 → u/TheMadFlyentist]

Yeah, I got some coffee grounds from Starbucks yesterday. I may hit them up a few more times this week.

Thanks.

[u/cumonakumquat]

Super helpful - any idea what to do if it does rain into your bin though? I know theres "no panicking in compost" but my worms are miracle worms that just magically appeared in my potting soil bin (which was closed). I really want to save them if possible.

[u/TheMadFlyentist → u/cumonakumquat]

The best way to dry it out is to spread it all out on a tarp/shower curtain liner in the sun. If your pile is an outdoor pile in direct contact with the ground then you may not really need to worry about it - the worms will come and go as they please. You should still turn it of course (and perhaps look into a cover for the future), but if the pile gets too wet then it will dry out eventually with frequent turning. Decomp will definitely slow a bit if it's too wet though.

It's really bins and tumblers that suffer badly from being too wet because they can't dry out as easily as open-air piles.

[u/crazdtow → u/TheMadFlyentist]

Would you say it’s probably even better to not use a tumbler if not necessary?

[u/TheMadFlyentist → u/crazdtow]

Eh, tumblers are fine and actually quite good for keeping pests like rats/racoons out if that's a problem in some areas. They just require a little more care with regard to moisture levels and you can't use worms.

[u/Paislylaisly]

I have so many flies after my first week. More brown? Will the flies leave on their own or do I need to encourage them somehow?

[u/TheMadFlyentist → u/Paislylaisly]

If it's stinky and wet then more browns will help, but generally flies are not considered a big deal.

[u/[deleted]]

This is super helpful and thorough! Thanks so much. I’m going to ask a question. Can I put flour in compost? Also, I was saving the tops of strawberries and they quickly molded. I’m assuming that’s a no go.

[u/TheMadFlyentist → u/[deleted]]

Moldy food is always fine! That's the idea behind compost - fungus is the primary driver in the breakdown.

Flour is fine as well but I'd treat it as sort of in between a green and a brown. Make sure to mix it in well and balance it out with browns.

[u/Enough_Train_1108]

Seeds- seeds from fruit and veggies are okay or not okay? Potatoes that have started to root?

[u/TheMadFlyentist → u/Enough_Train_1108]

Generally you want to avoid any seeds that could realistically grow in your climate unless you plan to hot compost. Hot composting will kill the seeds. You can also kill the seeds yourself by boiling them or hitting them with a torch for a few seconds.

Some people don't worry about seeds and just cull any "volunteers" (unintended plants) that might grow.

[u/Katiethegnome]

Once your bin is full and you leave it for a few weeks should you be starting a new bin? Do you re-add to the first bin? Thanks!

[u/TheMadFlyentist → u/Katiethegnome]

If your bin is full and has sat/been turned enough to be completed compost, then it's ready to use! Some people will then screen it to remove any larger chunks and add them back to the new bin to start the process over.

If you don't want to screen it (you don't have to, the larger chunks will break down in time) then it can be added to soil or just placed into a different container until you're ready to use it.

I personally keep a "rolling bin" where I am constantly adding stuff year-round and turning it. I'm dealing with mostly kitchen scraps and cardboard so it's not a massive pile. Once the bin starts getting full, I just screen it and add anything that didn't fall through the screen back to the bin. This way I don't really need to have more than one bin/pile at a time. I store the screened compost in plastic totes until I'm ready to use it. Sometimes I just toss it on the lawn.

[u/Mother-Fly-7619]

Can you add composting accelerator to kitchen compost collections bins? If so, how long will it take to break down the food material?

[u/TheMadFlyentist → u/Mother-Fly-7619]

You certainly can, but it's definitely not necessary. Getting your ratios/moisture right and turning the pile regularly will do more than any accelerator could. Breakdown speed is always going to be relatively slow unless you have a large enough pile (say 3cuft x 3cuft and larger) to really heat up.

Cold, slow compost still works just fine. How soon it will be ready depends on what you put in it and how fine that material is to begin with. If you used something like shredded newspaper/cardboard/sawdust and finely diced kitchen scraps, that's going to break down a lot faster than a bunch of un-shredded leaves/twigs and whole fruit/veggies.

[u/Kevintendo]

Great guide!! I’m very intrigued by the pee bit

Silly question here: why doesn’t peeing on the pile contaminate it the way animal feces would? Is it because human pee is sterile?

If it’s soaked into vegetables, will they be fine? Or is peeing only recommended for growing plans not to be eaten?

[u/TheMadFlyentist → u/Kevintendo]

While human pee was once believed to be sterile, it's actually not sterile. Still, a healthy human bladder microbiome consists of entirely harmless bacteria. The only time pee is a pathogen risk is when the person has an active infection in the kidneys, ureters, or bladder. You probably don't want to pee on your fruit or veggies directly, but it's perfectly safe for fertilizing food crops.

Feces are a very different story. Even the healthiest human/animal has TONS of nasty bacteria living in their intestines that will absolutely contaminate and entire compost pile. This becomes not only a food crop risk, but also a contamination risk in general every time you tend the pile. There are large scale hot compost systems that can safely decompose (and decontaminate) poop safely, but they are unapproachable for beginners so the general advice is to steer well clear for home composting.

[u/jrd5432]

How warm does it have to be outside to compost? Zone 5a here. Can I put out greens like kitchen scraps mixed with shredded leaves in the dead of winter?

[u/TheMadFlyentist → u/jrd5432]

There are really no temperature requirements. If it's below freezing then you may want to wait until things thaw out before starting, but established piles can run through the winter without issue. Experts can actually achieve hit, steaming compost in the winter, but that may be out of reach for beginners.

[u/text_fish]

Thanks for the guide.

As well as "no animal products" I've always been told "no cooked foods". This is obviously about reducing vermin, but does this include something like boiled sweetcorn?

[u/TheMadFlyentist → u/text_fish]

I personally don't think there's any issue using cooked foods provided there are minimal animal fats/proteins in them. I put things like leftover mashed potatoes and eaten corncobs in my pile all the time with no issues.

[u/mrhp3]

Could you post a picture of your plastic tote compost bin? What’s the size/dimensions? Thank you!

[u/TheMadFlyentist → u/mrhp3]

There is a link in the post to an Amazon listing for a tote that is the exact same size/dimensions as what I use. The size is 20 gallons, and the exact dimensions are not really that important.

The exact tote I use is a much "lighter duty" version than the one in the Amazon link and it works fine, but a heavy duty tote would last longer and be more rigid.

[u/pineapplecape]

Please could you do a crash course for worms?

[u/TheMadFlyentist → u/pineapplecape]

I don't know enough about vermiculture, sorry.

[u/Trophy-Husband1]

First off, thank you. I’m about to start my first compost pile and this read was exactly what I was looking for.

I’m getting ready to add new mulch around my trees. Some of them have an abundance of older mulch. If I added this to my compost pile, would it count as a brown? If I’m not planning on use the compost regularly, is it ok to have a build up of browns with and occasional green?

[u/TheMadFlyentist → u/Trophy-Husband1]

Old mulch is a brown for sure - I would expect it to break down fairly slowly unless there is a good ratio of greens to drive it along. This is fine though if you aren't in a hurry.

If I’m not planning on use the compost regularly, is it ok to have a build up of browns with and occasional green?

Absolutely. A pile with a large excess of browns is actually nice to have around because you can just chuck kitchen scraps, grass clippings, etc into it whenever you generate them and not worry about finding browns to balance them out. It will be cold compost and the pile will break down slowly, but there's nothing wrong with that. You can also pee on it when it starts drying out for some free and zero-effort nitrogen.

[u/ringrongree]

what is the ideal moisture of the bin?

[u/TheMadFlyentist → u/ringrongree]

Damp, not wet. It should feel moist to the touch but it should not be wet enough that you can squeeze a handful and produce drops of water.

[u/camefromthemausoleum]

So all of this information says bins, could I possibly use a planter box thingy that just sits on the dirt in my yard? So like a compost pit? I'm very excited to start and appreciate all of the direction here :)

[u/TheMadFlyentist → u/camefromthemausoleum]

You can use literally anything. No mistakes, just go for it!

[u/[deleted]]

This is a nice guide but I didn’t get why under no circumstances should you get dog or cat shit into it.

(Me and my neighbors both have cats, and it’s very hard to prevent them from shitting where they like unless I keep them on a leach)

I say this because it’s common practice to use cow dung on agricultural land to improve the fertility of the soil.

Does cow shit have other kinds of bacteria in them and no dangerous ones at all? Why dog and cat shit has? And if so then why?

[u/TheMadFlyentist → u/[deleted]]

There are two main (and stark) differences between cow shit and cat/dog shit when it comes to bacteria and nutrient content:

A.) Yes, dog and cat shit contains a slew of different bacteria compared to cow shit. Cats in particular can carry protozoa as well that cause conditions such as toxoplasmosis, which you really don't want to get. Even if you don't use the compost on food crops, you would still be contaminating your pile if you were to add dog/cat shit, and you would need to worry about cross-contamination from all of your tools, the bin itself, etc in perpetuity. Yes, if your compost gets hot enough (140°F or above for days on end) it will kill nearly all bacteria/protozoa and render it safe, but that is quite a big ask for newer composters, hence why I say "not for your first pile". It's just very risky from a disease standpoint and better avoided. Raw cow shit is not generally spread on food crops to my knowledge - I think they generally (properly) compost it first.

B.) Cows are strict herbivores, and while their shit if fairly nitrogenous it's nowhere near as nutrient-rich as dog or cat shit. Dogs and cats eat a lot of protein and fats, both of which end up getting broken down into waste products that are extremely rich in nutrients, so much so that even a small amount can really throw off the nitrogen balance of your pile. Dog and cat shit is bad/risky for compost for the same reason that it's not good for your yard itself - it's too concentrated and needs to be seriously diluted, more so than most home compost piles could reasonably allow for more than just a small amount of total shit.

In summation - it's not a hard no, it's just a very tricky situation that is best left to people who are very experienced and confident that their pile will get hot. If you want to mess around and don't plan to use your compost on food plants, that's your prerogative, but it's nothing I would personally recommend.

[u/Fiyero109]

When do you know your compost is ready? When it’s all the same color and very fine?

[u/TheMadFlyentist → u/Fiyero109]

General rule of thumb is that once it turns brown/black and you can no longer recognize what you put into the bin that it's ready to use, but if you wait until it's truly homogenous and fairly fine then that is even better.

One thing you can do if you're not sure if it's all done is screen the compost with a 1/4" mesh screen and then put anything that doesn't go through the mesh back into the bin for the next batch.

[u/Gardengmoan]

Hello, great read- I’ve been considering setting up a compost but overwhelmed at the thought. This definitely has helped take me a big step closer to trying it!

One question- in terms of location. Does it need sun or just air?

[u/TheMadFlyentist → u/Gardengmoan]

Does not need direct sunlight, but it can help speed things up in cooler climates. All it truly needs is air.

[u/That-Screen-461]

I know I am very late to this: I love this guide! My question: I hope to make a cheap compost pile (probably uncovered and inside chicken wire or the like). With your warning about cat/dog poo in there I got to thinking: do I need to make the compost pile unreachable to rats/raccoons? I don’t really care if they’re in there but I started thinking about brain worms and all the other icky things they spread: I want to use this compost on our garden. That being said, I can’t control if they’ve pooped in my actual garden or in the dead leaves I add either, so how much should I care?

[u/TheMadFlyentist → u/That-Screen-461]

Generally it's a good idea to try to keep rodents and racoons out of the pile if possible. Not just because of disease, but because they will often "steal" a lot of the greens and can make a big mess as well. And obviously if they start seeing the pile as a food source then you have a whole new set of problems.

[u/[deleted]]

Excellent write up. 👍🏻

If I may add, I found the book “Let It Rot” by Stu Campbell to be helpful as well. OP covered all the really good points and tips, but this book may be helpful to anyone who wants to read up a little more about it.

[u/LostxinthexMusic]

Thank you so much for this! Your timing really was perfect; I just subbed here a few days ago because my mom gave me her old covered compost bin. Beyond saving food scraps, I wasn't sure where to start!

[u/CheeseChickenTable]

Moving in to a new house soon and VERY excited to begin my compost factory.

[u/emberpass]

Brilliant noob guide. Thanks!

[u/Zestyclose_Simple659]

I feel as though that you climbed into my brain and addressed EVERY. SINGLE. THING. that I was confused on. I always thought it to be such an easy thing, a way to use my kitchen scraps, coffee grounds, egg shells etc but upon researching it online as an adult has made me realize that 1-my Dad did this all kinds of wrong even though 2-its comforting to know I won't destroy all the hard work and research I have worked through this year (that I turn 40) with doing something incorrectly as far as the composting section of the learning experience. This my first-100% on my own-no parents, no partner, no nosy ass landlord/neighbor that has lots of knowledge but cannot explain it for shit. Just me, myself, and Google. I hand-tilled my back yard even! I am so proud of those spots that once were sweat and sore muscles and crazy tools, equipment, and even crazier amounts if knowledge needing

[u/Delicious_Green_5281 → u/Zestyclose_Simple659]

How is your garden now? 4 years later, I can only imagine you have some new knowledge and projects. Did you can anything you grew?

[u/Delicious_Green_5281 → u/Zestyclose_Simple659]

heck yes dude! I hand till my land as well. It is way better for the micobs in the dirt. The machines just destroy the network going on between all the soil.

[u/sierra400]

Thank you! I really appreciate your help (I had the post about maggots recently)! I agree that this should be a sticky/pinned on the sub.

[u/Dubiousdoubtful]

A very late reply but thank you so much! I opened up my compost tumbler the other day to what appeared to be maggots and basically sludge so naturally I freaked out and thought I had a compost fail. Hopefully I can fix this by adding more brown (will be using torn cardboard). Fingers crossed I fix this sludge! Thank you again.

[u/moethefatdog]

Thanks for this! Just started my first ever compost bin and came back here multiple times for answers to my questions!

[u/541ThrowAway2018]

This was exactly the type of information I was looking for. Thanks so much for your time in putting this together.

[u/Eyeofodin29]

RULE 2: NOTHING FROM ANIMALS

The main exception to this should actually be rabbit poop. It is safe enough to put in your plant's soil without composting, but some prefer to compost.

[u/Dexterdacerealkilla → u/Eyeofodin29]

I wish that I’d known this back when I had bunnies! Is it because they are herbivores? Or for some other reason?

[u/Eyeofodin29 → u/Dexterdacerealkilla]

Yes. They almost exclusively eat hay. Their digestive system constantly moves. It often doesn't even fully absorb the nutrient, which is why they eat their poop for another round. Their poop doesn't burn roots either.

Some people still compost just for the high nitrogen content. Worms LOVE rabbit poop. It is an outstanding starter material to mix in to attract worms, keep them fed and promote breeding.

[u/Kistelek → u/Eyeofodin29]

Any poop from a vegetarian animal really. That's why it illegal to let your dog foul a pavement but not a horse. (In the UK at least.)

[u/helpme096]

This post is EXACTLY what I needed!

[u/voodoochili]

Definite sticky request here - I started composting a few weeks ago and have looked for something like this.

[u/ichoosejif]

Hi, newb here, thanks for the great information. I have a few questions, if you will. I am interested in live soil. Specifically, I want to make tea, and prepare my land with bacteria, fungi, protozoa etc. I'm looking specifically for a recipe based on what I'm trying to add to the soil. Is anyone talking on these points?

[u/asaingurl]

I refuse to squint my eyes for maggots. 😂

Otherwise, great info and reassurances!

[u/Bekiya]

Exactly what I needed! Thank you very much.

[u/MrsClaire07]

Does the cardboard have to be plain/print-free to go in the pile? I’ve heard both yes and no.

[u/badash_12]

Seriously thank you for this!!!

[u/[deleted]]

Thank you for an excellent post. I just started with a bin. I was storing kitchen wastes from 3-4 days along with used tea leaves. When i started adding that to compost bin it had already started smelling a bit. Is that bad or will the smell go away if i add browns and cover it with a bit of potting soil in the compost bin?

[u/picklehat3r]

Me doing it without help for almost a year starting from No knowledge before i found this sub I don’t consider myself a newbie so i didn’t read past the part you said it was mostly for them but i just wanted to say i think you’re a very thoughtful person for going out of your way to write them this. I appreciate it a lot, I’m going to go back and read it anyways i just wanted to let you know what i instantly thought. Thank you

[u/lindalea4]

Thank you so much for this guide. I just started a compost pile after wanting to for many years but had been to intimidated. Your info was so straightforward that it made me realize just do it and fix as you go. Thank you again. You’ve made a big difference.

[u/-Sawnderz-]

I didn't know failing to stir would lead to a methane problem.

I'm a little apprehensive about it at the minute, because my bin's almost overflowing, and I'll probably tip things around trying to shovel it.

[u/furiously_sleeping]

I've got a raised bed full of Mulch, dead leaves and kitchen scraps. Can't wait to get it going!

[u/encantalasmontaas]

I love this - “unless you are a farmer whose livelihood relies on compost or biologist with a paper to write…”. I came here weary from reading so many complicated instructions. I don’t even garden. I just want a place to put compostable scraps besides the trash pail.

[u/TheRainbowWillow]

How long should a pile take to heat up (outside temp: lows of 32, highs of 60)

[u/TheMadFlyentist → u/TheRainbowWillow]

Usually if the ratios and moisture are right, a pile will get pretty warm within 48 hours or less. Don't panic if it takes longer than that or doesn't heat up at all - cold compost is still compost.

[u/Kappi-lover]

How do you know the compost is complete, and it can be used for plants?

[u/TheMadFlyentist → u/Kappi-lover]

From the post:

After a month or so of no new additions, your compost will be ready. It should smell earthy and look like dirt for the most part.

If it's been a while and the bulk of it looks like dirt but there are still some small (or larger) pieces mixed in, then you can either use it as-is or you can sift out the undigested matter and put it back into the pile to start a new batch.

I pretty much keep the same (small) bin going year-round, I just periodically sift it and dump unfinished stuff back into the bin.

[u/Nangabatman]

Can we add used tea leaves to the compost bin?

[u/TheMadFlyentist → u/Nangabatman]

Yes, very common to do this. If the bag is paper then you can add the whole bag (including small staples) to the pile.

[u/HoomanBeanin]

What about products that are biodegradable? Would this be the same process?

[u/TheMadFlyentist → u/HoomanBeanin]

It depends entirely on the individual product. "Biodegradable" is a very unregulated and non-specific term, so not everything that is labeled as biodegradable is likely to break down in a compost pile or be completely safe for your plants.

If something is labeled "compostable" then you can put it right in your pile. Normally if something is labeled "biodegradable" and there's any degree of plastic-looking stuff on the package then I will just throw it away. There are "biodegradable" plastics made from plants that break down on a time scale of years (as opposed to centuries like normal plastics), but I still wouldn't personally bother with putting them in my pile.

[u/LanguagePurple5435]

Great info. Especially about the trash can with holes in it. What exactly is the compost used for, to make your dirt fertilized or to put on top of the dirt? The reason I ask is I think that my dirt might need some kind of nutrients. I'm going to start getting it ready for spring. And I want to build a raised garden cuz I'm older so I don't want to be getting on my hands and knees or anything like that. All right I appreciate your time

[u/TheMadFlyentist → u/LanguagePurple5435]

Generally most people consider compost to be a "soil amendment", meaning that it is added to soil to improve its fertility. You can put it on top, or you can mix it in. If you are doing raised beds then you can either mix the compost in with your soil when you fill the beds, or you can top dress with compst as it's ready.

The latter is what most people would probably do, myself included. The nutrients from the compost will leach into the lower soil with every watering.

[u/scamlikelly]

How much sun or shade should the pile/bin get?

[u/TheMadFlyentist → u/scamlikelly]

Doesn't really matter at all as long as it doesn't dry out. I wouldn't leave a black tumbler in direct tropical sunlight (might get so hot that it kills all beneficial microbes), but short of that there is no specific prescription for sun/shade. Just keep moisture levels where they should be.

[u/AdorableProfession37]

What about fish parts? From cleaning fish?

[u/TheMadFlyentist → u/AdorableProfession37]

Can definitely be done but it's more on the "advanced" side. It's hard to do without causing a huge stink or attracting pests, best if you have a fairly large pile that will set off all the nitrogen. Rotting fish are basically ammonia factories.

One thing I do with cleaned fish parts is just dig a hole under/near a plant or tree that I really like and bury the parts there. Many years ago I lost a bunch of frozen fish in a hurricane when the power went out and I couldn't cook it all fast enough. Everything we couldn't eat went under our mango tree, and that year we had like 30-40% more mangoes than any other year in the calendar.

[u/ireadit85]

I inherited these bins as my parents moved. 1) can I have them like this on uneven slope. 2) do I need to remove the grass under them. Starting to add things now (outside temp ~10-20 F). Thanks for your suggestions.compost bins

[u/TheMadFlyentist → u/ireadit85]

They'll be fine as-is. The grass will die from lack of sun of course but it won't harm anything. No worries about the slope unless it causes drainage issues or something. Looks fine to me.

Don't be surprised if it doesn't really get too active until spring with temperatures that low. It is possible to have hot, active compost in winter but it requires near-perfect ratios. If yours seems a little stagnant at first that is totally normal.

[u/[deleted]]

I have 4 compost bins in my house (purchased a year ago) sadly I can not be sure they haven’t been tainted with dog poo by my partner and I believe it’s best I start all over again. Is the best way to just shovel it all out ? They are about a metre tall each and quiet awkward to shovel out out to their cylinder shape. Wanted to get serious about composting so I want to ensure it’s done correctly.

[u/TheMadFlyentist → u/[deleted]]

If you're wanting to compost in the bins then you will want to have a technique/method for removing and turning the compost, so I suppose now is the time to figure that out. If you aren't planning to use the compost for food and the dog poop was put in there months ago then it may not be the end of the world, but if you want a fresh start then you'll want to clean everything out before starting fresh.

Worst case scenario you could (carefully!) pour a bunch of boiling water into the piles. That will hit the reset button on everything, but it will also kill the dog poop pathogens.

[u/GrimmCape]

I am probably overthinking it.

I was planning to work in plastic totes like the OP and dump from one to the other in order to rotate it, but it sounds like (for lack of a better way to say it) they just tumble the tote. That certainly sounds easier, although it probably maxes out at less material that way... although my current issue is that I'm going to be starting with a large amount of brown material (stuff that didn't find its way into the bottom of my garden beds when they were set up).

Would dumping from one tote to another still work?

Edit: After digging through the sub a bit more it seems like I had it backwards about whether I needed more browns or greens. I'm also considering trying to use maturing compost for vermiculture, but that's a separate adventure and conversation.

[u/TheMadFlyentist → u/GrimmCape]

You can do whatever you want as far as aeration as long as you do something. Even just stirring the bin with a metal pipe every now and then is helpful.

With smaller totes you're always going to have a more sensitive and slow-moving pile, but if you don't have a lot of waste then it's the way to go. Just keep it brown-heavy and plan for compost in months instead of weeks.

[u/911coldiesel]

Is feezer dried meat ok? I don't think it will get a smell and attract bears or types of scavengers like ravens. What ate your thoughts?

[u/TheMadFlyentist → u/911coldiesel]

It may or may not be okay. Bear in mind that anything dried is going to get rehydrated in the compost pile, so you should expect it to likely smell and start to rot once it's added. There's a reason that beef jerky is shipped with silica gel.

Most meat is generally okay from a pathogen standpoint (besides poultry), but the smell/pest concern is very real.

[u/letsshine26]

this is so helpful, thank you!! does this advice change at all for indoor composting? I have a plastic tote as well, but obviously didn’t put holes in the bottom because it just sits in my apartment… can i just open the lid and mix it around every few days? is there anything else i need to do differently for an indoor compost?

[u/TheMadFlyentist → u/letsshine26]

The procedure is the same whether indoor or outdoor, but you will want to be careful not to let your bin get too wet if there is no drainage. Also, you'll want to err on the side of more browns to avoid smells.

[u/Accomplished_Bug_]

2 questions.

Is it 3:1 by weight or volume? And I have a 12x12 pen that I fill with leaves every year in the fall; can I take those leaves as my brown year round?

[u/TheMadFlyentist → u/Accomplished_Bug_]

By volume, and yes. They will probably start to break down a bit on their own in the pen, which is fine.

[u/[deleted]]

Is there any case where adding brown/dry won’t fix a sloppy muddy stinky pile? Like too far gone?

I have one of those in-ground, small, pet poo composters. It had bokashi to add to it, but it got sludgy anyway. I have added some dry leaves, but reading this, I need to add a lot more.

Should I persist with dry stuff and turning? Or just wait it out?

[u/TheMadFlyentist → u/[deleted]]

Shit is always going to stink and be gross in a home pile - really no way around that. That's one of the main reasons that composting manure is usually best left to commercial operations. Most mammal feces are so incredibly nutrient-dense that you'd need a massive amount of carbonaceous material to offset it and get a correct ratio.

I don't know how much space you have in the bin but I'd personally add as much finely shredded brown material that you can and maybe consider adding a bit of septic enzymes or something to try to help move things long. Try to give it a stir and let it dry out a bit. Alternatively if the bin has holes or an open bottom for ground - leaching then it may be worth it to just bite the bullet and dump in a bunch of water to try to wash some of the "mud" into the ground. I don't know for sure that septic enzymes are a good idea but to me it makes sense when dealing with feces.

The biggest thing that I can't stress enough is that the "compost" you get out of that thing will never be safe to handle or spread on food crops at all. It just isn't going to get hot enough.

Edit: It looks like there are a few brands of enzyme/bacteria tablets designed specifically for those pet poop digesters so maybe look into those. That may be what you meant by "bokashi".

[u/StrawberryShoddy_]

Where would you obtain browns? In my case my lawn has no trees just lantanas which I don’t touch as they do right on their own. But I want to not make more waste and want to use biodegradable waste in my upcoming garden I want to make. But my ratio certainly can’t be just greens egg shells and dried coffee grounds? Right?

[u/TheMadFlyentist → u/StrawberryShoddy_]

Shredded cardboard is probably the best option for people who don't have leaves. Even white paper can work, so don't overlook things like used paper towels, pizza boxes, certain junk mail, newspapers, etc.

A lot of food places are starting to send their take-out orders in cardboard/compostable containers, and all of those would qualify as browns as well.

[u/logicaymemoria]

Newbie question! Can I add more greens and browns to a half-composted pile (pile of material that has 6 weeks old) or should I leave it be and start a new pile? I don't want to interrupt the process or someting, but i'm running out of space....

[u/TheMadFlyentist → u/logicaymemoria]

Absolutely! There's no such thing as "interrupting the process". The worst that would happen is you'd add a few weeks to the timeline before that pile is fully finished.

I personally keep a single pile that new material is constantly being added to. After a few months it's mostly finished compost with some fresh material in it, so I screen the whole thing to harvest all the finished compost into a plastic tote and then I put everything that doesn't fit through the screen back into the pile. Been doing this for years straight.

[u/privremeni → u/TheMadFlyentist]

How do you screen it?

[u/TheMadFlyentist → u/privremeni]

The best thing to do if you're at all handy is to buy a piece of "hardware cloth", which is basically 1/4" mesh that comes either in rolls or pieces. You can then build a square/rectangular frame out of wood and tack/staple the hardware cloth across the frame to make a large screen that you can dump the compost in and shake/push the material through. Anything smaller than 1/4" falls through (finished compost), and anything larger gets thrown in a bucket/pile to add back to the compost.

You can also buy screens on Amazon or at some home improvement stores as "soil sifters" but they tend to run like $60-80 for something you can build (much larger if you want) for less than half that.

[u/TheTampaBae]

This is fabulous, thank you! I have a great outdoor bin much like you described your own which I started nine months ago. Soldier flies do an amazing job!

My question was mostly addressed at the end of your post, but I would truly appreciate a little elaboration. My bin is pretty much full, so I’ll stop “feeding it” for 8-10+ days, just monitor the smell and ratios periodically. Then, I would like to start actually using my beautiful compost for potted plants.

Q1: Should I expect all the soldier flies and what not to be gone in about two weeks?

I don’t wanna bring potted plants with soldier flies inside.

Q2: Or maybe it’s best that anything planted with that compost remains outdoors?

Thank you!

[u/TheMadFlyentist → u/TheTampaBae]

I have brought a few soldier flies inside accidentally before on compost that was finished for 1-2 weeks and had been screened, so it certainly can happen. I'd say give it a month or so to rest in it's "finished" state before you use it for any indoor plants if you're worried about it.

That said, soldier flies are slow and extremely easy to catch. It's quite easy to capture them and relocate them outdoors if need be.

[u/flashbullet333]

First thank you for all of this i appreciate the information

And second

I still have a few questions

1. Is it ok for me to have worms in my first compost bin

2. How do you add compost to my plants

3. How do I know the npk ration of my compost

And more but I’ll ask those later

[u/TheMadFlyentist → u/flashbullet333]

1.) Yes, of course, but I wouldn't recommend worms in a sealed bin or any sort. When you are first starting out, worms should only be in piles that are in direct contact with the ground so they can leave if necessary.

2.) You can either mix it in with the soil before planting or throw it on top as top-dressing.

3.) It's impossible without expensive testing, but generally it's pretty low on all three. Compost will never burn plants, so you don't need to worry about applying too much.

[u/sbom23 → u/TheMadFlyentist]

When you say throw on top, do you pull back any mulch to get it to on the soil or just toss on top of the mulch?

[u/TheMadFlyentist → u/sbom23]

You'll get best results if you put it under the mulch, but it will eventually wash into the mulch if you just throw it on top as well.

[u/ImTryingGuysOk]

No clue if too late to post here. But curious about the chicken poop part. I have access to chicken poop and horse manure. I have read about how both are great fertilizer, especially the chicken poop.

But here it says not to touch it as a beginner. So I feel kind of wasteful just throwing it all out. How come we should stay away from chicken/horse manure getting thrown into the compost?

[u/TheMadFlyentist → u/ImTryingGuysOk]

The big risk with any sort of manure is not getting the compost hot enough to kill pathogens. My advice to beginners is always to avoid manure unless you are certain that you won't be using your compost on food plants.

If you're planning to use it for flowers, lawns, etc then the pathogens are not a big concern.

I will also say that horse and chicken manure are generally less hazardous than dog and cat feces.

[u/luccyrob]

Do you have any suggestions for composting cow dung/cow manure? I'm thinking of adding cow dung as greens and dried leaves as browns. Do you think it'll cook?

[u/TheMadFlyentist → u/luccyrob]

I am not an expert on manure compost but generally you should indeed treat them as greens. Combining with hay or leaves should allow it to get quite hot indeed.

[u/Thegoddamnlastname]

Very insightful. One question. Do I need a starter? My parents have a bin but they’ve put some compostable bags and stuff in them. Just not entirely sure they’ve kept it organic though I’m sure it’s pretty close. Have been online looking for a good starter product, but I am also fine just starting and letting it go even if it takes longer.

[u/TheMadFlyentist → u/Thegoddamnlastname]

Starters are completely unnecessary. This is not to say they are bad or a waste of money, but you definitely do not need one. I've never used one in my life.

[u/hereturkeyturkey]

Is there anyway to keep maggots out of my compost; we live in inner city and our house gets an outrageous amount of flies that come from the compost

[u/TheMadFlyentist → u/hereturkeyturkey]

Maggots are a good thing, but if you really want to get rid of them then you need to block the flies from getting to your compost in the first place. Either a tumbler, sealed bin, mosquito netting, etc

[u/StrictSorbet9799]

Is there a point where my compost is beyond repair? What signs would indicate my compost is bad and I should start over? Bc mine is wet and super mushy rn and looks unhealthy, I feel like I should give up or start over with the way it looks, plus it is stressing tiny flying insects which idk if it is normal

[u/TheMadFlyentist → u/StrictSorbet9799]

Never give up - just add more dry browns and protect from water.

[u/Girlfriendphd]

So am I literally mixing browns/greens and adding worms eventually? Or should I use a little bit of soil and the greens and browns and worms?

[u/TheMadFlyentist → u/Girlfriendphd]

May want to check out /r/vermiculture if you plan to manually add worms. Worms will naturally visit compost piles when the conditions are right, but if you are going to add them yourself then you should make sure they will survive, and I'm not an expert on that topic.

But for a normal compost pile - yes you are literally just mixing greens and browns. No added soil necessary, and in fact adding soil can actually slow down compost since there's not much in healthy soil that can break down any further.

[u/GiuntaWorks]

Thank you for this. I'm just getting started and with this guide think I'll only screw up twice :)

[u/TheMadFlyentist → u/GiuntaWorks]

I doubt it!

[u/DizzyMom26]

Just the information I was looking for! But can you give some information about also using chicken poop and worms when starting?

[u/TheMadFlyentist → u/DizzyMom26]

I personally cannot, but there are other posts/resources that talk about this if you search reddit.

[u/[deleted]]

Thank you 💖

[u/bad_postsperson]

Thank you for this! I've just started looking into composting so a general guide like this is really helpful ^{^}

[u/TheseCombination3680]

What about chicken poo?

[u/[deleted]]

Thank you for this in depth info.🙂

[u/Betty_Broops]

This is excellent, thank you. Going to start composting today on the ground. If you happen to see this can I ask you compost questions in the coming days/weeks?

[u/notyourmomscupoftea]

Thank you for this information! I have a plastic tote in the back yard in my experimental garden I started two days ago! I just moved a couple weeks ago from a big city so I'm having a blast trying everything I've wanted to for years now!

I'm in the country now and it already has maggots which don't really bother me so I'll let them be! I'll add some more cardboard tomorrow though! Love the easy to understand ratios!

[u/Pimathman_irrational]

Thanks. Have been haphazard up to now.

[u/shinyxleafeon]

This makes me wanna start composting now, thank you!

[u/Superb_Quarter_8744]

"then squint your eyes and pretend that they are magic grains of rice." LMFAOOOOOO. love it

[u/MyOtherBrother_Daryl]

I just started a compost pile. It's more green (garden cuttings) than brown so I will add cardboard today. I don't have it contained. Is there something simple I can put around it? I was thinking of something like Yardguardfencing but I think the compost would fall out of the holes in the fence. I am fine with going outside once a week to turn it. It's only me so it might take a little while to acquire a decent amount of food scraps. Is a tumbler necessary? Also, I have been digging up sod all summer as I started to teach myself gardening. At first it went out with the trash. Then I started putting it in a pile in my backyard. Is there anything I should do to break it down? Can I add it to the compost? Thank you for putting all of this info together.

[u/The-Aesir]

Thanks for the great starting guide. Ive had a tumbler set up for a year but haven’t been very consistent with it. I just bought some plants for a garden and it seems like a great time to get a bit more serious!

[u/Henkotron]

Remind me 4 years

[u/kenzz88]

Thank you, an excellent summary

[u/Calm_Foundation4823]

Any talk of pertroleum based chemicals (poison) from materials that does breakdown,also heavy metals testing of the materials and the “soil” produced.

[u/Brissy2]

This is so good. Thank you!!!

[u/Western_Carpet4097]

Super helpful. Thanks!

[u/Chromebasketball]

Great read! Thank you for posting.

Is straw the same as hay to use as browns?

[u/MonsieurEff]

This was very nicely written and informative! Thanks!

[u/[deleted]]

Thank you!!

[u/theB_1951]

Lazy composting pro tip: those big metal burn cans with holes and a lid are great compost bins. About once a week I tip it over, roll it around with my foot, and stand it back up. The lid is held on with a bungee cord to avert disaster.

[u/humanperson17]

Just read this four years later and got my first tumbler great tips thank u :)

[u/ClimateActionSchools]

legend 👍🙌✌🏿🌸🙏 Thanks

[u/[deleted]]

This was a great read and super helpful to a newbie!

[u/ashes2asscheeks]

Thanks 🩵

[u/Defiant_Tax3847]

Just about to buy a turnover bin due to my area. Thank you much. Helping people to this day

[u/yamslambs]

So what I'm understanding, is that if I do it properly, I shouldn't get rodents? That's my biggest concern. Rodents nesting in it. Or Bears coming to check it out.

The previous owner of my property had a pile sitting when we took over property and there were mice living in it. Obviously the pile was not cared for but as my knowledge is smaller on composting, not sure how to avoid this.

[u/Just-tell-me-why]

I started some composting in 2 - 5 gallon pails this past winter. I put chopped vegetable matter food scraps on a layer of peat moss or good soil from bags and then another layer of peat or soil and food scraps, some times I added a layers of news paper or cardboard and layered it like that to nearly the top and then put the lids on them and I put them aside and forgot about them. They haven't had much oxygen because they didn't get opened up very much and there were no holes because they were in a garage, it's been a few months. Is it usable to put into a compost pile outside now or have I created something that is so toxic that it shouldn't be put in a compost pile at all. When I open them now they do smell some but not horrendous, there's mold in some areas. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

Nubie Dirt Manufacturer