Problem solver

Compost smells bad

Healthy compost smells earthy, like a forest after rain. If yours announces itself across the yard, the smell is a message, and different smells mean different problems.

Ammonia, sharp like a cleaning product: too much nitrogen. The pile is overloaded with greens like food scraps and fresh grass. Mix in a generous load of browns, dry leaves or shredded cardboard, and turn the pile so the excess can gas off.

Rotten eggs or sewage: no air. The pile is compacted or waterlogged and has gone anaerobic. Turn it thoroughly to reintroduce air, break up slimy pockets, and add browns to open up the structure. If it is soaked, see the too-wet fix.

Garbage smell that draws flies: exposed food. Fresh scraps sitting on top are an open buffet. Bury new additions in the center and always cap the pile with a layer of browns.

One prevention rule covers most of it: every time you add greens, cover them with browns. A managed pile in a neighborhood should never bother the neighbors. If it smells, something is fixable, and usually within a week.

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