Composting is one of the most effective methods of recycling food waste to create nutritious soil for garden beds. Nevertheless, many beginners give up due to one common trouble: unpleasant odors. Usually, compost should have a characteristic earthy smell typical of freshly dug soil. If it develops a strong or foul smell, it is likely that something is wrong with the composting process. Luckily, most odors can be fixed rather easily. Gardening experts state that learning the causes of bad smells will help homeowners compost food waste without creating an offensive atmosphere. Here are seven tips on how to keep your compost from becoming smelly.
Add Dry Brown Materials
One of the main causes of bad odor in compost is an abundance of moist scraps. Vegetable and fruit peels, leftover food, and other wet garbage may cause unpleasant smells if not combined properly with other materials. To avoid odor development, gardening experts advise mixing compost with dried leaves, shredded newspapers, cardboard, or even coconut shells. Such materials, called browns, absorb excess moisture and provide sufficient aeration.
Avoid Meat and Dairy Products
Often, people composting food waste for the first time choose the wrong types of scraps. Experts do not advise using meat or fish bones, any kind of dairy products, greasy or spicy foods, or cooked leftovers. Such materials attract flies and rodents, and their decomposition leads to rapid creation of bad odors. Instead, use vegetable peels, tea and coffee leaves, and garden waste.
Turn the Compost Regularly
Compost should contain adequate oxygen for healthy decomposition. When organic materials become compacted due to improper maintenance, anaerobic bacteria may create unpleasant odors. To avoid this, experts suggest turning the compost once a week with a garden fork or special compost aerator. Proper maintenance will help your compost produce pleasant smells instead of offensive odors.
Maintain Correct Moisture Level
A good compost should have a slightly moist texture resembling a squeezed sponge. High moisture content causes bacteria growth, which produces bad smells quickly. To avoid this, add dry materials if the compost becomes too humid. Outdoor composters should be closed during heavy rain as well.
Chop Up Kitchen Scraps
If fruits and vegetables are put into compost as whole pieces, they can stay for weeks without decomposing fully. Such large materials create odors and interfere with other processes. As experts recommend, chop up kitchen scraps before putting them into the composting bin. Smaller size increases surface area and accelerates decomposition.
Cover Fresh Materials
It is essential to cover fresh garbage right after adding it to the bin to prevent odors. This makes the materials less attractive to flies and prevents rapid production of unpleasant smells. Use dry materials such as shredded paper, dried leaves, sawdust, or already decomposed compost to cover kitchen scraps.
Place the Bin in the Right Spot
Experts suggest finding a well-ventilated and partially sunny place for your compost. Lack of ventilation may lead to bad odors, and low temperatures delay decomposition. Moreover, the spot should not be too moist. Avoid excess rainwater accumulation near the compost bin.
