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Fishy odor to my compost

Posted by gardenunusual 5a (My Page) on
Thu, Apr 7, 11 at 18:15

Hi,

Picked up a 55 gallon drum and have a screen over the opening until we can build a holder for it.

There is chicken manure, kitchen veggie and fruit scraps, shredded paper,bread, pasta, rice, used coffee grounds with filters, old wine, the odd paper towel, and a little soil in it. Been turning it every few days or so.

It has a slight fish odor. Does it need more oxygen or is there too much moisture? Maybe it needs something else added to it? This is my first year composting (I'm psyched!) and want to do it right.

Many thanks.


Follow-Up Postings:

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RE: Fishy odor to my compost

I used to live near a chicken farm and remember a fish-like odor now and then. Maybe something the chickens were fed?


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RE: Fishy odor to my compost

That "fishy" odor is an indication that there is probably too much Nitrogen in the mixture.


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RE: Fishy odor to my compost

Aha. Makes sense.

After I turned it again, it smelled earthy.

I'll add some straw to it.

Thank you both.


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