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Why is my compost mouldy?

IlikeplantsIlikeplants Posts: 894
in Problem solving
It’s from a new bag of compost supposed to be good quality but it looks dry and had this mould growing in it. I’ve tried to mix it up and give it some water after transferring some to buckets hoping that it will aerate it and improve its appearance. Is this a problem? I’m trying to mix it with perlite to grow seeds.

Posts

  • BlueBirderBlueBirder Posts: 212
    How long have you had it? Is it from a newly opened bag?

    I often find this in my compost and after exposure to air for a while it goes away. I think it's pretty normal, and some compost brands even put on their bags that some white fungus might be visible when the compost is opened.

    I think it should be OK for your seeds if you mix it, air it and water it well. Someone else will be able to confirm or correct though! 
  • IlikeplantsIlikeplants Posts: 894
    Thanks @BlueBirder - that’s reassuring if can happen. I’ve had it about 3 weeks now and this is the last third of it so quite compacted towards the end and I probably last opened the bag a week or so ago. 
    I’ve still got two bags of these, bought 3 for 2. I have a feeling that the others will be the same. I’ve emptied it into a bucket to mix, water and aerate it. Hopefully it’s nothing serious but this last bit was worse looking than when I opened the bag initially even though that still looked dry and whitish grey.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Bags of compost are always better given a good shake before using, because they can get compacted due to the storage of them. 
    Moulds/fungus are all part of the normal process of compost breaking down, and rarely anything to worry about. The contents of some bags will be drier, and less well broken down than others too   :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    I suspect the bag was left over from last year and the fungi have grown considerably in that time.
    I used to buy compost in late Feb, but had the same as you a few times - the compost seems to be fine to use though.

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • IlikeplantsIlikeplants Posts: 894
    Thanks. Nothing too serious then, just unsightly but at least not woody like I’ve see in previous cheap compost bags. Seems more fibre like than crumbly. Did have a strong smell initially but that’s aired out too.
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