Trouble-Shooting your Compost

So, you recognize the benefits of having a compost pile and maybe you’ve recently started your own compost in your yard.  But now there’s a weird smell, or maybe you’re not sure how much water to add.  Let’s talk about some of the possible problems that could arise with your compost and how to make sure yours is healthy and nutrient rich.  If your compost has a rotten egg or garbage odor, you may have too much moisture.  One good way to measure the moisture content is to squeeze a handful of compost material in your hand; this should yield only a drop or two of water.  Mix in some dry leaves, straw or even saw dust to dry up the smell.  If your pile has clumps of slimy grass and an ammonia smell, there may be too many grass clippings.  In this case, leave the grass clippings on your lawn this week and add some straw or leaves to dry out your compost.