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Re:CT scans show how Heinz's new ketchup cap depends on shea... by zdragnar on Thursday February 29, 2024 @08:43AM (#39549166)
> t would never get hot enough to compost

Sounds like too much water content and/or not enough air for aerobic bacteria to get to work. Tossing the pile with a pitchfork somewhat frequently should help it.

Unfortunately, compositing when you live with wildlife is a challenge. I don't bother because if the raccoons didn't get into it, the bears would, and both are annoyingly messy when they do. I even had a bear do structure damage to my garage when she broke in to get at the garbage one year.

Re:CT scans show how Heinz's new ketchup cap depends on shea... by wil421 on Thursday February 29, 2024 @09:51AM (#39550037)
I have a special compost barrel that was given to me. It has rollers and small holes. Raccoons and other animals are not able to get into it. Bears are not much of a concern.

I’ll try again with more dry leaves. Spring is close to starting in my area.

Re:CT scans show how Heinz's new ketchup cap depends on shea... by zdragnar on Thursday February 29, 2024 @10:02AM (#39550210)
Cardboard strips, egg cartons, and (untreated) sawdust or animal bedding style wood shavings can make for some good dry material as well if your compost is in fact too wet. Good rule is to layer it while you are building the pile, then turn twice a week once it is going / ready to go.

Your local hardware store may also have some compost kickstarter liquids as well, which might be helpful if you want to get it going before too many flies or ants come out to infest the pile.