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Sun, Nov 7, 10 at 11:55
| I have been composting in a big round plastic composting bin for the last 10 months. Only using vegetable matter with the occasional layer of straw and brown garden refuse.
Recently I notice that the once black, crumbly compost ( which I turned regularly) seems to have turned into what I can only describe as brown muddy little lumps - like sparrows use to build their nests. The lid is firmly secure, so nothing can get inside the bin. We have had a lot of rain recently, but surely that wouldnt turn lovely black compost into light brown clay lumps? I am so confused by this - can anyone shed any light please? Thanks |
Follow-Up Postings:
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- Posted by gardengal48 PNW zone 8 (My Page) on Sun, Nov 7, 10 at 13:00
| Might it be worm castings? They often have a muddy, clumpy, clay-like appearance but are wonderful, nutrient-rich additions to compost or garden soil. |
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- Posted by ibwendpick (My Page) on Sun, Nov 7, 10 at 13:04
| They might, but I didn't see any worms at all - the lumps actually look exactly like light brown /round/oblong clay pellets, and they almost fill the bin now - no lovely black crumbly compost at all. This took place over about a month - first there was a little -now the lumps almost fill the bin. I am becoming paranoid!! Thanks for your reply |
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- Posted by jonhughes So.Oregon (jonehughes@hotmail.com) on Sun, Nov 7, 10 at 13:13
| Can you post a pic ??? |
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| Is this one of those rolling or tumbling barrel? I get balls too, usually when the contents are a little too wet and a little too much green. They don't last forever. Let the barrel dry out a little, tumble it good to break the clods, and moisten again. |
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| Compost material can clump together, especially if that material is too wet to properly compost. |
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| If used to find sticky clumps in my compost. These were associated with masses of green grass. A couple melon rinds together may do the same thing. In general, a mass of moist "green" material may turn into a gooey glob if not mixed up. |
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