Compost in July: How to get it off to a good start so it doesn’t smell

Compost should be an integral part of every garden. After all, it is what nourishes the plants and can help ensure a bountiful harvest. In summer, looking after this part of the garden is a little more complicated. High temperatures set in and decomposition speeds up considerably. As a result, there’s a real risk of the compost becoming more smelly, as well as overheating and drying out. Keeping compost in good condition isn’t necessarily as simple as it might seem, and poorly maintained compost turns into a smelly heap that we don’t need in the garden.

If the compost smells, something’s wrong

Undoubtedly. Properly matured compost smells quite pleasant. It has a strong, earthy scent. Conversely, poorly managed compost stinks. It lacks sufficient air and is usually completely waterlogged. The solution is actually very simple. Just add some dry material and you’re sorted. Straw is ideal. However, leaves or cardboard are also suitable. It’s certainly worth giving it a good turning as well.

When compost dries out, it’s ruined

Undoubtedly. Drying out is a sort of silent killer of compost. In dry compost, organic waste simply doesn’t break down and nothing works. Such compost is light in colour, completely crumbly and lacks internal heat. It’s certainly a good idea to give the compost a light watering from time to time. Otherwise, the top layer should consist of straw or dry grass, which act as perfect mulch and help retain moisture.

Tip: Compost as fertilizer? Good tip.

Photo: Pixabay

What’s ideal for composting in summer?

There’s really plenty of material available during the summer months. It’s best to maintain the right balance between them. You should alternate between green and brown layers. Green materials include grass clippings, vegetable scraps and seedless weeds. Green material contains nitrogen. Brown material contains carbon and consists of leaves, straw or cardboard. The layers need to be alternated.

The compost needs to get properly going

That’s right. The compost needs a bit of a helping hand at the start. You should combine fine and coarse material and add a little water. It’s definitely worth adding some older, mature compost as well. This will act as the perfect starter.

Sources: Author, Meta

Photo: Radek Stepan