| The pile smells bad. |
- Too much moisture.
- Too much nitrogen-rich material in the pile.
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- Turn the pile.
- Do not water as often and turn the pile to dry out the material.
- Add leaves or other carbon-rich material to the pile
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| The pile will not get hot. |
- Not enough water.
- Pile too small.
- Not enough nitrogen-rich materials in the pile.
- Particle size too large.
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- Add water.
- Gather more material and build the pile at least 3’ x 3’ x 3’.
- Mix in fresh nitrogen-rich materials, such as grass or fruit and vegetable trimmings.
- Chop or grind material to reduce the particle size.
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| The pile is attracting flies, rodents, or other pests |
- Protein-rich, fatty, or sugary foods are present in the pile.
- Food is exposed
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- Be sure to leave meat, bones, oily foods, and dairy products out of the compost pile.
- Bury the fruit and vegetable trimmings at least 6-12 inches deep.
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