Composting FAQ_
Should limestone be added to compost piles?
There is no need to add lime to a compost pile. Too much lime, in fact, could create a loss of available nitrogen in the pile. Finished compost generally has neutral to slightly acidic pH.
Is it all right to mix pet (dog or cat) or human wastes into the compost pile?
It is not recommended to add pet or human wastes to a compost pile. Studies have shown that there is potential for health problems to occur where compost with pet wastes has been used in vegetable gardens. Human wastes has the potential for transmitting diseases as well and therefore should not be used. If you have to deal with pet wastes, bury it away from garden areas.
Should a compost bin have a top on it?
Two reasons you might want to cover compost are to control the amount of moisture added to the pile and to keep out rodents and pets. However, these two factors are not always a prblem. Unless we have an unusally wet season, a compost does not generally get too soggy. If you don’t add scraps of meats, bone, or grease, then pests aren’t a serious problem.
Is it all right to mix fireplace ashes into the compost?
A limited amount of wood ashes can be used in the compost pile. Wood ashes can add potassium and other nutrients, but they also hav eht cpacity to raise the pH very rapidly. Overuse could create problems with the compost pile.
