Common Composting Mistakes- What Not to Do in Your Compost Heap

When it comes to composting, avoiding certain mistakes can make a significant difference in the quality and efficiency of your compost pile. It is very significant to maintain the right moisture levels and regularly turn the pile. This promotes optimal decomposition and prevents foul odors. By steering clear of these common pitfalls, one can create nutrient-rich compost for the garden while minimizing potential issues. Below is a list of some materials that one should not mix in the compost heap.

Following are the mistakes one should avoid while throwing in compost:-

Onion or Garlic Peels

While onion and garlic peels are organic, they can take a long time to break down in a compost pile. Additionally, their strong smell may deter earthworms and other beneficial organisms from the composting process.

Fish and Meat Scraps

Avoid including fish and meat scraps in your compost pile. These items can attract pests and lead to unwanted disturbances. Furthermore, the decomposition of these materials can produce unpleasant odors.

Weeds

It's best to avoid throwing weeds in your compost, especially those that have gone to seed. Seeds of weeds can survive the composting process and potentially spread in your garden when you use the compost. Weeds can regrow and may ruin the whole compost heap, therefore it is important to avoid mixing weeds to compost heap.

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Citrus Peels

Citrus peels contain natural oils that can be harmful to earthworms and other organisms in the compost pile. They also take longer to decompose compared to other fruit and vegetable scraps. It's better to avoid adding large quantities of citrus peels to your compost.

Charcoal

Charcoal doesn't break down easily and can introduce chemicals and additives into the compost that may be harmful to plants. Additionally, the toxic components in charcoal may harm the soil and therefore should be avoided.

Cardboard Materials

 While cardboard is compostable, it's important to avoid adding glossy or coated cardboard materials to your compost pile. These materials may contain chemicals or additives that can be detrimental to the composting process and the health of your plants.

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Branches and Infected Wood

Large branches and infected wood should not be added to the compost pile. They take a considerable amount of time to decompose, and infected wood can potentially spread diseases to healthy plants in your garden.

Used Grass Clippings

Grass clippings that have been treated with herbicides or pesticides should not be included in compost. These chemicals can persist in the compost and potentially harm plants or beneficial organisms when applied to the garden.

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