How Can I Know If The Compost I'm Making Is Of Good Quality?

Is your compost wet and foul-smelling heap?

Is your compost dry at the center with little to no decomposition of materials?

Does dampness appear only in the middle of the compost heap?

Does your compost heap appear to be damp and sweet-smelling but emits no heat?

Are there any matted, under-composed layers of leaves or grass clippings in your compost heap?

Are there any large under-composed items in the compost heap?

Your compost is either not ready or of bad quality. The odor of the compost should be earthlike. Any bad smell is a sign that the fermentation has not reached its final stage and that microbial breakdown processes are still taking place. Moisture content should be like that of a wrung-out sponge: No water should drip from a sample squeezed in the hand. Turn pile and add high-carbon, absorbent materials in it. Protect the pile from the rain.

Your compost is either not ready or of bad quality. The proper mixing and proportion of raw materials is very important for the overall quality of the compost. Organic matter content should be between 25 to 50 percent of the final product. Turn the pile, thoroughly soaking each layer as it is replaced. Cover it with plastic to retain moisture.

Your compost is either not ready or of bad quality. The material should be not too tight, not packed, and not lumpy. The more crumbly the structure, the better it is. Moisture content should be like that of a wrung-out sponge: No water should drip from a sample squeezed in the hand. Increase the amount of material in the pile and moisten it.

Your compost is lacking nitrogenous materials to increase the heat. Add more nitrogenous materials such as blood meal, fresh manure, or urine, and turn or aerate the heap.

Your compost appears to have a bad structure. The material should be not too tight, not packed, and not lumpy. The more crumbly the structure, the better it is. Break up layers with a garden fork or shred them, then relayer the pile. Avoid adding heavy layers of leaves, grass clippings, hay, or paper unless first shredded.

Screen out all under-composed items and use as a starter for the next pile.

Your compost appears to be of good quality. Quality compost should have a crumbly structure, be of black-brown color, have a sweet earthlike smell, have neutral acidity as well as 25 to 50 percent of organic matter, and it shouldn't be soggy or completely dry.