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Finished compost often has lots of earth worms when you have a pile that is on the ground. You can also have pill bugs (and some millipedes and centipedes) that often are part of the natural breakdown process. Like earthworms they are part of the mechanical breakdown of materials that bacteria than finish off as compost. If you can get rid of the pill bugs before you use it they won't damage young leaves, the other thing they like to "breakdown." Centipedes and millipedes are not usually a problem except for the "ick" factor for some.
The following has a good FAQ section with information on basic composting that you might find helpful. It includes some tips on getting rid of unwanted critters: Cures for Common Compost Questions
Finished compost often has lots of earth worms when you have a pile that is on the ground. You can also have pill bugs (and some millipedes and centipedes) that often are part of the natural breakdown process. Like earthworms they are part of the mechanical breakdown of materials that bacteria than finish off as compost. If you can get rid of the pill bugs before you use it they won't damage young leaves, the other thing they like to "breakdown." Centipedes and millipedes are not usually a problem except for the "ick" factor for some.
The following has a good FAQ section with information on basic composting that you might find helpful. It includes some tips on getting rid of unwanted critters: Cures for Common Compost Questions
thanks! i figured it's all part of the breakdown, but mine is in one of those barrels, raised off the ground on an axis. so these guys all crawled up in (probably when it was very stinky, before i had the mix and moisture correct!).
Mine is up off the ground, but really has no entry point, so I haven't seen any bugs or worms. On the other hand, in the areas I have already composted, A LOT of worms can be found. Not only that, but they are some of the biggest worms I have ever seen. I'm sure this has to be good for my soil, being that my area is all very thick clay. I have only been composting since March and I already see a huge difference in the plants that have gotten the compost vs the plants that haven't.
Something I haven't seen mentioned is paper from my shredder I add to my barrel composter where it sets for a week or two with kitchen scraps and grass clippings then it goes to bin composter as I turn that, Makes it real hard to read and adds to the pile, I just can't seam to get enough compost this year as I have started using SFG And Gutter gardening methods this year. Maybe I should explain, in a couple of months I will be 72, I retired last year for the 4th time just can't seam to get the hang of it, Not working that is. Thanks for the read.
I have mine in the open and gated. Much better for airflow and natural rains to keepit moist.
I do have a question as I was making lunch...
Is the Tuna Fish fluids in water in those cans ok to put in there and the fluids from the olives in the can? I thought yes so I did. Wondering what you guys think.
I'd avoid the tuna. The olive might be salty (but unless you eat olives by the gallon it likely wouldn't matter).
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