The short answer is that composted organic matter does not go bad unless you store it improperly. It does, however, continue to break down, and that’s completely normal. That’s how compost feeds our plants! It’s also the reason why our soils need to be continuously replenished with compost.
Though it comes neatly bundled, bulk compost in a BigYellowBag doesn’t have an expiration date stamped on the packaging. We often hear the question, “Will this compost go bad? I don’t know if I can use up a bag this spring.”
You’ve come to the right place! Here are nuanced answers to your questions about compost going bad.
Volume Loss
Soil3 compost is decomposed humus compost. Humus is a natural material that can take years to completely decompose to its smallest particle form, so it’s natural to losevolume over time.
If you keep a bag of soil from one year to another, you will experience a small amount of volume loss every year. To get the most “bang for your buck” using up compost within a couple of years will allow you to use the compost you have to cover more area.
Nutrient Loss
Worried about losing those nutrients? Don’t be!
The compost inside your bag won’t lose those nutrients that the soil is teeming with while it’s safely inside your bag. Keeping the bag closed is also a great option to avoid any weed seeds from taking up residence in your soil, but keep it slightly open so rainwater can get in to keep the compost moist.
How Many Years Will My Compost Last?
That depends on your climate. For instance, in a hot, humid climate with lots of rain, compost will break down faster than in a dry, cool climate. We cannot put an exact time frame on due to these difference in climates.
If your soil is simply sitting in the bag, it will last several years, though you should keep in mind that you’ll lose some volume over that time and the consistency may become denser and heavier as it continues to break down.
If it’s in a raised bed, Soil3 compost will serve you for multiple growing seasons. We’ve grown vegetables for 4 years in the same bed of Soil3 without applying additional fertilizer. However, because the compost is constantly releasing nutrients and breaking down in the process, beds need to be filled back up with compost. In our raised vegetable beds outside our stores, we typically add 1-2 more inches of Soil3 in spring to raise the height of the beds again.
Even though it will last several years unused in the bag, we recommend going ahead and using it within a year, to get the most coverage from the bag.
If you used your compost to topdress your lawn, mix into garden rows, plant flower beds, or even install your sod, we recommend a fresh layer each year to add soil structure and nutrients.
What’s the Best Way to Store Compost so It Doesn’t Go Bad?
The best way to store finished, garden-ready compost is covered but in a container that is not air-tight and that lets in some water.
You want your compost to have enough oxygen to keep those micro-organisms happy and avoid the possibility of the compost going anaerobic.
When compost goes anaerobic, it’s due to too much water and a lack of oxygen. You can tell it’s anaerobic if it has a sour smell. Typically this problem can be fixed by spreading out the compost and letting it get some air.
Again, the best practice is to go ahead and use your compost. You’re plants will love you for it!
Why is the BigYellowBag Best for Keeping Good Compost?
Cubic Yard BigYellowBags are ideal for containing compost because they’re easy to have delivered, won’t make a mess, and allow enough air for the compost to thrive.
Unlike homemade compost, Soil3 humus compost is already decomposed and doesn’t need to be turned to continue the composting process after it’s bagged. You’re guaranteed that what’s in that bag is ready to use for your lawn or garden.
You can keep a BigYellowBag on hand for potting soil in your container gardens, for spring and fall planting, and for topdressing trees and shrubs. You won’t regret having a little extra of this good stuff that won’t go bad as you use it year-round.
FAQs
The short answer is that composted organic matter does not go bad unless you store it improperly. It does, however, continue to break down, and that's completely normal. That's how compost feeds our plants! It's also the reason why our soils need to be continuously replenished with compost.
Does compost go bad? ›
Let's go back to the original question of, “Can compost go bad?” Compost won't spoil like milk or rotten eggs. But if the ratio of air, water, brown material, and green material is off, your compost will let you know! The key is to pay attention and pick up on sensory clues.
How to know if compost is bad? ›
Generally, the scent of compost should be earthy and green. An intensely moldy or musty smell is a sign that something is amiss. If compost begins to reek of rot and putrid odors, there is likely too much material entering the pile before it has the chance to break down.
Can you get bad compost? ›
Composting is usually a straightforward and successful process, but occasionally the results may not be ideal, such as: Wet, slimy, smelly compost – this may be caused by too little air and too much water.
Why is my compost not composting? ›
Three factors are usually to blame: poor aeration, too much moisture, or not enough nitrogen-rich material in the pile. A compost pile overburdened with materials that mat down when wet—grass clippings, spoiled hay, heaps of unshredded tree leaves—can become so dense that the pile's center receives no air.
Can you fix rancid compost? ›
Compost that has too little aeration will smell putrid or like rotting eggs. Turn the compost pile to help get air into the compost and stop the bad smell. You may also want to add some “fluffy” materials like dry leaves or dry grass to help keep the pile from over-compacting again.
Is it OK to use old compost? ›
Old compost may have run out of nutrients, but it is far from useless when it comes to feeding your plants. If you use old compost as a mulch on your garden beds it will add organic matter to your soil. Organic matter will help to feed the life in the soil, which in turn will help to release nutrients to your plants.
What ruins compost? ›
Composting Don'ts
- Don't add fish, meat, dairy products, bones, baked goods, fatty foods or grease to your compost pile. ...
- Don't use diseased plants or plants that are toxic to other plants. ...
- Don't add pet feces or used kitty litter.
If your soil is simply sitting in the bag, it will last several years, though you should keep in mind that you'll lose some volume over that time and the consistency may become denser and heavier as it continues to break down. If it's in a raised bed, Soil3 compost will serve you for multiple growing seasons.
What are the simple mistakes that could ruin your compost? ›
Adding the wrong foods — or too much food — to your compost
Not all food waste is meant for the compost pile. “You don't want to compost meat or cheese or anything that's too oily,” says Balz. These types of scraps can attract flies, rodents and wildlife, such as raccoons, or produce odors.
One way to test for herbicides is to plant a few bean seeds in the material. If the quick-germinating seedlings show signs of herbicide contamination, like curled leaves and twisted stems, the material contains herbicides. If they look healthy, your purchased compost or mulch is likely safe to use.
Why is my compost so wet and smelly? ›
Stinky smells are a good indicator that your compost pile is too wet and has gone anaerobic. A number of factors can cause this condition: lack of aeration, too much water, or an imbalance of carbon to nitrogen. Without air, the material becomes stagnant and rancid.
How to tell if compost is working? ›
It has a sweet sort of smell to it like black earth and it's crumbly. But sometimes it doesn't look like that. Sometimes after months it still looks a bit rough with pieces of identifiable stuff like sticks or straw. If it SMELLS like soil though, your compost is probably ready to use no matter how lumpy.
How do you activate old compost? ›
Add brown and green carbon and nitrogen-source material to the pile. In general, add three-parts carbon material to one-part nitrogen. Bhalsod recommends adding three buckets of brown material to every bucket of greens you add. Some carbon sources include dry leaves, straw, pine needles, and sawdust.
How to fix slimy compost? ›
Adding Absorbent Materials
In some cases, you may be able to get away with just adding some absorbent materials. Here are some materials to use and avoid: Incorporate absorbent materials like shredded newspaper, cardboard, or dry grass clippings into the compost to soak up excess moisture.
How long can you keep compost for? ›
You can store compost indefinitely, though the longer it is stored, the more nutrients are lost. Compost is at its best for three to four months after it is completed, but it can still be used after that. Compost does not go bad, but after a year it may start to shrink as it breaks down further.
When should you not use compost? ›
Dairy and other animal products
While animal products (meat, fish, eggs, bones, dairy, grease, fat) are organic, they can create odor problems and attract flies, rodents, and other pests to your pile or bin. These products can also carry pathogens that may survive the home composting process.
How do you revive old compost? ›
Tip out spent compost, remove any large sections of root and work it back to a smooth, fluffy texture with your hands. Then add handfuls of organic matter, like garden compost or well-rotted manure, to create a mixture of around 70% spent compost to 30% new organic matter.
How long does it take for compost to degrade? ›
Decomposition will be complete anywhere from two weeks to two years depending on the materials used, the size of the pile, and how often it is turned. Compost is ready when it has cooled, turned a rich brown color, and has decomposed into small soil-like particles. Step 5.
The compost inside your bag won’t lose those nutrients that the soil is teeming with while it’s safely inside your bag. Keeping the bag closed is also a great option to avoid any weed seeds from taking up residence in your soil, but keep it slightly open so rainwater can get in to keep the compost moist.
If it’s in a raised bed, Soil3 compost will serve you for multiple growing seasons. We’ve grown vegetables for 4 years in the same bed of Soil3 without applying additional fertilizer. However, because the compost is constantly releasing nutrients and breaking down in the process, beds need to be filled back up with compost. In our raised vegetable beds outside our stores, we typically add 1-2 more inches of Soil3 in spring to raise the height of the beds again.
You want your compost to have enough oxygen to keep those micro-organisms happy and avoid the possibility of the compost going anaerobic.
