How do I keep my backyard compost happy and healthy?

DOS

• Keep the pile damp dry compost won’t support fungus
• Seeing white rot fungus is a great sign
• Turn the pile with pitchfork or shovel every 2 weeks this will ensure even decomposition.
  • Once it stops reheating when you turn the pile your compost is done.
• Break down bigger materials, the smaller they are the faster they break down.
• Take stickers off all fruits and vegetables, these will not breakdown.
  
  

DONTS

• Add meat, dairy, or cat/dog waste these items can contain pathogens
• Add oily foods these will take much longer to break down
• Over water the pile this can produce bad smells
  • You shouldn’t be able to squeeze more than a few drops out of a handful
• Add to many acidic materials such as citrus, pine needles and oak leaves.
  • You can balance this with ashes from a charcoal grill or campfire.
• Try to compost commercial compostable plastics, these require your pile to reach much higher temperatures than you will be able to achieve.

Want to learn more? Check out this How To or visit Walking Mountains website for information on backyard compost!