Expert: Greg - 3/3/2004

Question
We started a compost last summer in our backyard, 2 families are using it and we are concerned that we may have too much material.  We have been regularly including brown matter (shredded newspaper) with our veggie scraps but we heard that it is possible to add something to get the process really started.  We live in Vancouver, British Columbia with a very mild climate.  Spring is almost upon us!

Answer
Hello Kathy

It seems as thought the Spark to Light the Decompostion process has not been lit.

You can <buy> Compost activators, but in my opinion they are a waste of money. There are many factors that go into a speedy Decomposition, such as but not limited to, the Size of the Matter that goes into the Pile. The smaller the better, the Ratio of Brown matter <carbon> to Green matter <nitrogen> should be as close to 25-1 as you can. Don't feel as though you need a scale to achive this, Mother Nature is very forgiving if you should miss this mark. Layer the Carbon matter first, and then Green, followed by a small layer 1/2" of Regular Garden Soil, or a Manure of some kind. Water Well, but do not Soak, then contine to a Height of 3-5 Ft.
Turn this pile over in 1 Week, you should sense Heat at this point, if you do, then all is well. Locate the Pile as best you can in Direct Sunlight. I know your Climate is Mild by my Standards, but this all slows down in Winter till Heat and Sunlight retun with the Season.

I hope this Helps but if I have missed something here, don't hesitate with a Follow-up.

The Best of Luck
Greg