Aug
Is Your Compost Pile Too Wet Or Too Dry?
In another article I have already discussed how to keep the proper amount of air in a compost pile, — air being one of the three most important requirements to keep the decomposer organisms working just right. Now the second most important requirement that helps keep the decomposer organisms working just the way they should is having just the correct amount of water in your compost pile.
Your compost pile should be as damp as a wrung-out sponge — moist to the touch — but no water should come out when you squeeze a handful of compost.
Too dry?
If your compost pile is too dry, you can poke holes in the pile & water it from the top with a trickling hose. Better yet, pull the pile apart & rebuild it, wetting each layer as it goes on. Very fibrous materials such as dead leaves may need to be soaked in a bucket for an hour or two.
Too wet?
A soggy pile should be turned so that clumps of material are broken up in order to allow air in & water out. If the compost is absolutely soaked, you can spread the materials to dry in the sun, or you can scatter peat moss throughout the pile as you rebuild it & place the drier materials in the center.
As you notice, it is not that complicated; it is simply a matter of being on the alert & making sure your compost pile is damp — not too dry & not too wet.
In a separate article, I will deal with the third component needed to make your compost pile heat up, & that is adding the proper food to your pile: specific materials to use & specific materials to avoid.
About the Author
A gardener for years, Marcelle has learned the value of composting & using it to put nutrients back into the soil. You can get her FREE 12-page pdf “The Composting MiniHandbook” at her blog: http://www.OrganicGardeningClub.com
