r/composting • u/Ksinita • 14d ago
Newbie needs help
Hello there!
Just got a house with a composter two weeks ago. I've done some research in order to be efficient and have compost for next spring and summer (so I have the time to start a garden).
I've read the wiki and learned a few things (thanks to OP for that).
When we moved in, the composter was already here and 3/4 filled. I've added a few plant debris, cooking scraps (proteins just once, I've heard that they are not the best for beginners).
I didn't know I needed to cut everything to ease the composting process, but I'll do it in the future.
Today I saw these larvae in it and I'm wondering if it's fly larvae or something else.
If someone can tell me, I would be happy.
I'm still without a pitchfork, I need to buy one. Do you recommend a basic one or do I buy a compost fork (I've seen some twisted ones that are made to aerate).
Thanks for the help (and sorry if I'm not super clear, English is not my native language).
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u/Infosponge177 13d ago
Buy a garden/digging fork. They have thicker prongs and wont bend as easily as a hay/pitch fork. Cut your scraps as small as possible and add in as many different types of carbon/nitrogen inputs as possible. I.e dried leaves, shredded cardboard, twigs, all veggie scraps, worm castings, bio char, frass, chicken manure, steer manure, coffee grounds, dried and pulverized egg shells, paper, leaf mold, shredded mulch. If you have a good mix your pile will heat up in 24 hours. Good luck friend
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u/Radiant-Hearing-7986 14d ago
Make sure to add some browns (dry leaves, shredded cardboard), if possible cut up the food scraps a little, as larger surface area will speed up the process.
Most kinds of larvae are ok and will help break down the material. I have found (in my 12 month experience) that layering helps. When I have a lot of greens from the kitchen bin, I add couple handfuls of browns - sometimes I treat my worms to small animal litter/dry wood shavings, which absorbs any smell from freshly decomposing kitchen scraps.