Compost starter?

Bart 3/18/2016, 8:45 am

Hi Folks,

At my local Southern States, they sell what is called compost starter. Is that really necessary? Or does compost happen without it?

Thanks
Bart

CitizenKate 3/18/2016, 10:22 am

I've never needed it. To start a new batch of compost, I just grab a handful of dirt, finished compost, or Mel's Mix, and that suffices to get it started.

The idea behind compost starter is to introduce bacteria and fungi that get the decomposition process going. Those same agents are present just about everywhere in the ground.

**camprn** 3/18/2016, 11:32 am

I make my own compost starter by having the correct ( mostly) balance of C:N, toss in some old compost or sprinkle a little dirt on the pile. Also sprinkle a little bit of dried blood and then water to get the heat going , which in turn will promote the microbe growth.

CapeCoddess 3/18/2016, 11:49 am

Bart wrote:Hi Folks,

At my local Southern States, they sell what is called compost starter. Is that really necessary? Or does compost happen without it?

Thanks
Bart

Yes, compost happens without starter. The forest has no starter but has great compost if you move the debris away.
Wink

Bart 3/21/2016, 8:41 am

CapeCoddess wrote:
Bart wrote:Hi Folks,

At my local Southern States, they sell what is called compost starter. Is that really necessary? Or does compost happen without it?

Thanks
Bart

Yes, compost happens without starter. The forest has no starter but has great compost if you move the debris away.

Sometimes the obvious needs to be pointed out.

Thanks everyone
Bart

**Scorpio Rising** 3/22/2016, 12:13 am

Bart. Use the search box in the upper left corner, for compost...there is a TON of info there. Compost starter? 3170584802

**AtlantaMarie** 3/22/2016, 6:49 pm

+1! And not just about compost!! There's all SORTS of hard-won info there. I love looking thru to see what others have said on all sorts of gardening subjects...

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