What's Wrong With my Compost?

Problem	Cause	Solution
Slow decomposition	Lack of nitrogen	Add "green" nitrogen-rich organic matter.
Slow decomposition	Poor aeration	Turn pile.
Slow decomposition	Too dry	Turn pile and remoisten all materials.
Slow decomposition	Pile too small	Add more organic matter to increase pile size to 3–5 cubic feet (1–1.5 cubic meters).
Slow decomposition	Cold weather	Insulate outer pile with thick layers of cardboard, sod, straw, or leaves. Use a compost bin style with a lid to retain heat. Increase pile size.
Ammonia odor	Too much nitrogen	Add "brown" carbon-rich materials and remix.
Rotten odor	Too wet	Add "brown" carbon-rich materials and remix.
Attracts flies	Kitchen scraps too close to top of pile	Bury scraps in center of pile. Don't add meats, dairy, oils, or grease.
Attracts dogs, raccoons, or other pests	Kitchen scraps too close to top of pile	Bury scraps in center of pile. Don't add meats, dairy, oils, or grease. Use an animal-proof enclosed bin.
White or gray thread-like filaments resembling spider webs on the outer edges of the pile	Actinomycetes, a type of bacteria, are at work decomposing organic matter	No change required. These are "good guys"
Contains grubs, worms, and other large bugs	No worries! Indicates nature is at work.	No change required.