Moldy Compost

dano 5/3/2010, 1:01 pm

I have greyish mold growing on my compost pile. Is that a problem? What should I do about it?

Thanks!

Dan

**camprn** 5/3/2010, 1:17 pm

Turn the pile and perhaps it may need a cover, if it getting too much rain. Moldy Compost Icon_biggrin

**WardinWake** 5/3/2010, 6:25 pm

dano wrote:I have greyish mold growing on my compost pile. Is that a problem? What should I do about it?

Thanks!

Dan

Dan:

If the mold is growing on your compost pile and not in it, check the moisture content near the center of the pile. Reach in and grab a handful and give it a good squeeze. It should hold enough moisture to give you several drops of water. If it is mushier or smells like a swamp, it is to wet. If too wet add dry leaves or strips of newspaper and stir well.

If the moisture content is correct and the gray mold you see is inside the pile, rejoice! What you are seeing is fungal strands. There are up to 54 miles of fungal strands in one ounce of healthy soil. The fungal strands help in turning organic matter into compost. A few issues ago "Organic Gardening" magazine had a nice article that helps explain what goes on in a properly mixed compost pile.

God Bless, Ward.

MasonGarden 5/8/2011, 8:00 pm

I am seeing what looks like white "moldy" spots in my boxes. I just set it up last weekend, and yes, we've had a lot of rain. Since the boxes are new, with fairly recently planted seeds and transplants, what should I do? Should I ignore it; dig out those areas and toss them; or try to turn them under and hope that I don't lose any seeds that may be germinating under the MM?
:scratch:

Thanks for your help!

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