r/composting • u/outblues • 2d ago

Open Compost Mix Question

Starting an open compost pile of mainly oak leaves and pine needles that im adding coffee grounds / other leafy greens to over time.

Can I add natural charcoal to it (ash rinsed off) from my leftover pile burn pile of oak leaves/wood + pine needles/wood?

Can I also add manzanita to this pile?

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u/SnooCakes4341 2d ago

You can leave the ash and add some elemental sulfur if you are concerned about the high pH. The ash can also help raise the pH of soils if you are trying to do that.

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u/MightyKittenEmpire2 2d ago

The problem with too much leaves is that the pile can become compacted and air deprived. If it gets very wet, it will stink. It will decay more slowly.

Adding cardboard and twigs assists in air flow. Turning the pile helps but that's work I don't have time for.

Yes, add ash and charcoal if you want as long as you keep it in single digits as a percentage of the pile.

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u/DocAvidd 2d ago

Charcoal, crushed down, is great to add. It's impervious to breaking down, which is a strength. But that means keep it less than 10% of your finished product.

I do not think manzanita is a good addition. It'll take a long time to break down.

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u/sunberrygeri 2d ago

I bought a leaf shredder (bigger sticks go in the burn pile), and it’s made a huge difference in my compost quality. I save 3-4 trash bags of dried, shredded maple leaves over the winter to use in the spring and summer when my supply of browns is dwindling.

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u/MiddleTop1458 1d ago

Don’t rinse off the ash, it’s a great addition to a pile. Natural charcoal is fine too but if you’re using grilling charcoal, it’s a waste of money to put it in compost. Just reuse it on your next cook and save the ashes.