Today’s Solutions: April 25, 2024

So you’ve set up a functioning compost system in your backyard. First things first, congratulations! But how do you know if your compost is healthy and thriving? Mold and fungi are actually a sign of a functioning compost pile, but not all kinds of mold are good.

Check out the list below to see if your compost mold is normal or something you should be concerned about.

Yellow mold

As far as compost mold goes, yellow mold is nothing to be concerned about. This mold, also called Fuligo septica, is generally spongy and bright yellow in color when it’s blooming. When not in bloom, it is usually translucent and slimy. This mold is a sign that your compost pile is working as it should and can also come in white, gray, purple-brown colors.

Green mold

If your compost pile has green mold, it’s not the end of the world, but it does mean your pile is too moist. Address this issue by watering it less, adding more dry material to the mix, and covering your pile before big rains.

White mold

That white powdery material on your compost pile is most likely not mold, but actually a bacteria called Actinomycetes. These form as heat builds up in your pile, and can extend down through your pile in spider-web-like forms. These are a sign of a healthy compost pile, so enjoy them!

How to handle molds

Most molds are harmless for compost piles, but they can be dangerous for humans and pets. For this reason, it’s a good idea to keep pets away from your compost pile and avoid turning your compost on windy days. Additionally, you may want to wear a mask when handling your compost, especially if you have allergies or increased sensitivity to airborne particles.

Solutions News Source Print this article
More of Today's Solutions

Gamers revolutionize biomedical research via DNA analysis

In a remarkable study published in Nature Biotechnology, researchers discovered gaming's transformative potential in biomedical research. Borderlands Science, an interactive mini-game included in Borderlands ...

Read More

The ancient origins of your 600,000 year old cuppa joe

Did you realize that the beans that comprise your morning cup of coffee date back 600,000 years? Scientists have discovered the ancient origins of Coffea arabica, ...

Read More

World record broken for coldest temperature ever recorded

With our current knowledge of how temperature works there is no upper limit, this means materials can keep getting hotter and hotter to no ...

Read More

A youth-led environmental victory creates a paradigm shift in Montana’s...

A group of youth environmental activists scored a landmark legal victory in Montana, marking a critical step forward in the ongoing battle against climate ...

Read More