Symptoms and Causes Too many "brown" and woody materials in the compost Too much aeration passing through the bin Compost needs watering Compost does not decompose due to lack of moisture, which is needed by fungi, moulds and worms The compost is cool and inactive

Solutions Add more "greens" such as grass clippings, fruit and vegetable waste, etc. (mix well with the "browns", or use thin layers) Take the lid off the heap when it rains Water the heap with a gallon of water (5l.) and cover it with bubblewrap so it holds the moisure in better (and add a liquid activator) Turn the compost heap - the centre may be warm and moist while the top and sides are dry

Remember. Making good compost is the same as growing moulds, fungi and worms !!
The contents of the bin should be as moist as a wrong-out sponge
It never hurts to add a bit more water (with a bit more urine in it as nitrogen source)

Also, read our general compost information pages