Compost smells like Amonia.

[crazzzymike13]

I have one of those compost makers that you turn. I opened it tday and it smells lke Amonia real strong. I read that I need to add more carbon stuff like brown leaves or paper. So Do I need it to be half and half?? I'm very new to all this. Also when it is done composting can I store it in plastic barrels for next year??

Mike

 

[vfem]

I just store mine out in the open...

As for the browns, yes you need them. Definitely throw in some dead leaves or grass clippings. I even throw in shredded cardboard and newspaper in b/w print only.

 

[boggybranch]

Yep....you DEFINITELY need more carbons (browns). In my mixture, I "shoot" for 2 parts carbon to 1 part nitrogen (greens). Just keep it damp...not soggy.

Don't see any reason you can't store it in plastic barrels. That's not much different than buying it in plastic bags at the retailers

 

[hoodat]

An amonia smell means you have an excess of nitrogen. It's usually the other way round. Yes, browns will help soak it up and they need the nitrogen for decay. The good thing is it means you have a very active bacteria/fungus culture going.

 

[davaroo]

Heck, I go out an wee on my compost!
But the brown:green ratio bit is interesting.

 

[hoodat]

Heck, I go out an wee on my compost!
But the brown:green ratio bit is interesting.

Ah yes, that "golden elixir" does wonders for a compost pile.

 

[TanksHill]

 

[crazzzymike13]

Is my compost suppose to be clumpy?? Some of the grass clippings have been turning into a ball. Normal??

 

[hoodat]

Is my compost suppose to be clumpy?? Some of the grass clippings have been turning into a ball. Normal??

They do that sometimes in a rotary composter. It helps to put a few fist sized rocks in the tumbler so they will help grind things up when you rotate. Those balls will slow down the decomposition. If you split one open you will probably find that they have a bad odor indicating that they aren't getting enough oxygen inside. I sometimes take a large ball like that and tuck it under tomato vines. Each time you water some nutrients will wash out into the soil.

 

[crazzzymike13]

Ok I put some brown material in my compost, and man it made a difference! Has more of an earthy smell. I also put in a couple of fist sized rocks in the tumbler and I have also taken a garden claw and when I turn the tumbler what ever is on the surface I just start unraveling the clumps of grass. It seems like all those things are working. So hey thanx for the advice!