Symptoms and Causes Compost is too wet and not decomposing correctly due to a lack of Oxygen Micro-organisms, worms and insects cannot thrive when they are waterlogged Compost can smell due to anaerobic decomposition Wet compost is usually caused by a thick layer of "greens" - especially grass clippings, but also fruit and veg peels. These have high water content Insufficent aeration in the conpost heap Compost has been watered too often

Possible Solutions Add "browns" if you have an excess of "greens" Always add the same amount of torn up newspaper to you grass clippings Always wrap your fruit and veg peel in a few sheets of newspaper, which soaks up excess water contents For very large amounts of grass clippings, use them as mulch under fruit bushes Try not to get thick layers of grass clippings The compost heap should stand on earth so that water drains away easily Don't throw away the wet stuff - remake the heap with an equal amount of "browns" Only water the compost if it really needs it Aerate the compost by turning it

Remember
The fungi, moulds and worms that make the compost need a balance of moisture, air, warmth and food to survive and thrive.
Making good compost needs a small amount of management effort to creat conditions which encourage moulds, fungi and worms - the same conditions that encourage these will discourage rats and other vermin, and will not be smelly.

And, read our general compost information pages