Storing Compost

marlele78 3/25/2012, 12:49 pm

Hello all! New to SFG, let's see how this place works!! Smile

What is the best way to store compost for later use? I have much more than I need at the moment...

Thanks!

**camprn** 3/25/2012, 12:59 pm

Is it in bags or is it home made somewhere in your yard?

Chopper 3/25/2012, 2:11 pm

Plastic garbage cans. You can punch holes in it if you want but if it is completed compost there is no need. Looks neat and keeps out critters.

Roseinarosecity 3/25/2012, 5:31 pm

I use the original bags of my first five compost. I think Mel suggested this. Then I put it inside a trash can and remove the bags as needed when I'm not giving it away. I like to share with friends and family to get them started on their new SFG. The bags are about a third full so they are easy for me to move around.

**gwennifer** 3/25/2012, 5:50 pm

I also so far use the original bags that the compost came in - I was careful to cut them open across the top before dumping them out, then I turned a couple inside out to re-fill with the leftover of my blended compost. That's the method Mel described in the book.

In the future, I plan to have a garbage can to store it in like Chopper does, out next to my compost pile, since I would always like to have a source of blended compost for replenishing my squares and I think it would look more permanent that way.

Roseinarosecity, that's so nice! What a neat idea.

marlele78 3/25/2012, 6:11 pm

Thank you all for your responses. To be more specific, the compost is homemade in barrels in the backyard. I have read that storage in plastic bags is ok but other say it is not because it does not allow any moisture into the compost. Any thoughts?

**camprn** 3/25/2012, 6:16 pm

Chopper had a good option, another would be make a bin for the finished stuff and cover it with a tarp... it'll keep for a while. Very Happy

CapeCoddess 5/28/2012, 1:37 pm

Help! I need more space to work my newest compost/mulch pile so I have to move my leftover 'use this now' compost out of the area. Can I bag it? If so, should I put holes in the bags or leave them open or not? Should I moisten the compost before storing it? And where should I store it - outside, sun, shade or in the garage? I think I could fill about five 40 dry quart bags. Don't want bigger as I need to lift them myself.

**RoOsTeR** 5/28/2012, 1:51 pm

Topics merged. More info on "extra compost/Mel's Mix" here:

https://squarefoot.forumotion.com/t5772-how-do-you-store-the-extra-compost

Pepper 5/28/2012, 3:06 pm

I tried the 'tarp over two 55 gallon plastic drums. In the compost barrel the mushroom compost grew a fungus kinda whisker thingies. It went away when the sun and other ingredients mixed. The peat moss worked out fine.

Boz 5/28/2012, 8:09 pm

I have about 1/2 yard of finished compost. I added red worms, covered with cardboard and planted a squash on top. When the growing season is done. I will remove the squash, cover with a tarp and wait till spring when I will sift it.

I have a photo but can't figure out how to post it.

floyd1440 5/28/2012, 8:35 pm

I don't have any finsihed compost yet but should have some in a month or so. I was thinking about putting it in a garbage can with some holes in it.

The compost book I have says to leave the compost continue to finish for two mounths after it is "done". I do wonder if it would be safe to put in those bags you can get from Home Depot?

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