How to get rid of bad odor from compost: simple tips

The specificity of making compost for the garden is that it emits a rather unpleasant odor. After all, we are talking about decomposing kitchen and garden waste. But experts warn that if this smell bothers you, then something is wrong with your compost.

According to Homes and Gardens, the reason could be that you're using the wrong ingredients, not providing enough air circulation, or keeping your compost bin in the wrong condition. Here are some simple ways to get rid of bad compost odor. Try them all and you will find a solution to your problem.

Do not put meat in the compost

It may seem logical to use all food waste to make compost. However, adding the wrong ingredients can cause an unpleasant odor. These ingredients include bones, meat, and dairy products. Not only will they cause an unpleasant odor, but they will also attract various pests such as rodents.

Good compost should consist only of green materials, such as fruit and vegetable waste, and brown materials, such as straw and paper. All of these components are biodegradable.

Set the right nitrogen to carbon ratio

To ensure the successful decomposition of the ingredients in your compost, it is important to make sure you have the right balance of nitrogen and carbon. First of all, remember the rule of thumb: green materials contain more nitrogen and brown materials contain more carbon. The ratio of these substances should be 1:3. So, for three parts of leaves, shredded paper or cardboard, or mulch, there should be one container of fruit and vegetable waste, coffee grounds, etc.

This ratio ensures successful breakdown. This, in turn, reduces odors as food waste decomposes faster.

Chop the compost

The finer the elements in the compost, the less time it will take for them to decompose, and therefore the less odor they will produce. Always cut fruits and vegetables into small pieces when adding them to the compost. Do the same with paper and other waste. For better deodorization, put a small layer of charcoal on top.

Turn the compost regularly

If you want to make compost successfully, you need to ensure sufficient air circulation for oxidation and to prevent unpleasant odors. Turning the compost regularly helps with this. This enriches the mass with oxygen, which is needed by the aerobic bacteria in its composition. If anaerobic bacteria begin to prevail in the compost, a noticeable odor will appear.

Increase the moisture content of the compost

A bad odor can also come from completely dry compost. That's because, in addition to having the right ingredients in the right proportions and plenty of oxygen, the compost needs to be moist for the microbes to work well. Therefore, water the mixture as needed. Use a watering can, a garden hose, or any other tool that is convenient for you. The compost should eventually resemble a damp sponge

However, be careful not to let the compost heap become damp, as this can have the opposite effect and increase the odor. Using collected rainwater in the composter is also a great way to reduce water loss on the farm.

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