Is this compost really finished?

dizzygardener Tue Mar 15, 2011 1:03 am

So, after a week of waiting I finally got my truck load of food compost today, but I'm a little concerned.

I don't have a lot of experience with compost. The folks said the compost was finished, it doesn't smell funny, it's a nice rich dark brown, but it's a bit chunky.

It's almost like it has mulch in it. I can't see any composted food products or other green matter in it. Do I need to be concerned?

Also, do I still need to get 5 types of compost even if I have a truck load of this (highly acclaimed) food compost?

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Is this compost really finished? 471599

**camprn** Tue Mar 15, 2011 2:04 am

dizzygardener wrote:So, after a week of waiting I finally got my truck load of food compost today, but I'm a little concerned.

I don't have a lot of experience with compost. The folks said the compost was finished, it doesn't smell funny, it's a nice rich dark brown, but it's a bit chunky.

It's almost like it has mulch in it. I can't see any composted food products or other green matter in it. Do I need to be concerned?

Also, do I still need to get 5 types of compost even if I have a truck load of this (highly acclaimed) food compost?

Any help is greatly appreciated.

If you could post a photo, that would help.
You may choose to screen the compost using hardware cloth as a sieve, if you do not want the chunkiness in the garden.

Lavender Debs Tue Mar 15, 2011 3:27 am

It really is not unusual to have "chunks" in your homegrown. They should break up if you jab them with a shovel.

Can I just say that after I mix my homegrown, which tends to be a bit more damp than bagged compost, with the dry peat and vermiculite it looks alright. Any chunks that should be tossed back into the bin for more time become obvious in the peat.

You are the only one who can really decide what is right for you. When in doubt, follow the directions, even if it is just a little doubt.

BUT, I tend to look at the pictures and run. Last year my first box only had homegrown. Box 2 and 3 had 5 kinds of commercial bagged compost. The pure homegrown box did better than the others (even though the others did just fine)

Deborah...wouldn't loose any sleep over it

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Is this compost really finished?

Is this compost really finished?

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