Compost- how long does it last?

12 years ago

We bought too many bags of compost last year. We have about 5 bags that were never opened. Since I was new to gardening, I assumed that we could use them again this year, however, after learning a bit more about it, I've read that compost has living microbes which is why it's beneficial to one's garden.

So, if we've kept the bags sealed but in a shady area, is it still beneficial compost, or just dirt at this point?

We need compost for our existing beds, but we are also starting a new raised bed. If the compost is now just dirt, can we use that as fill for the new bed? Or, could we mix 50% dirt and old compost? If it's still good, we would rather use it as compost.

Thanks,

Leslie

Featured Answer

toxcrusadr

12 years ago

LOL. We won't even get into how to handle it when your clothes are 'dirty' with compost. :-p

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Comments (12)

leira
12 years ago
Just use it!

Compost that you make yourself definitely has beneficial microbes in it, but I'm not sure you'd see as much in commercially bagged compost even under the most ideal conditions.

Also, I dare you to try to keep microbes out of stuff that's sitting around in your yard...it's not going to happen.

Either way, whether or not it has an ideal number of microbes in it, it's still good stuff. Microbes, while wonderful, are not the only beneficial thing to be found in compost.
rdak
12 years ago
They should be fine.

Use them as compost.
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toxcrusadr
12 years ago
"Dirt" is mostly minerals, whereas compost, even old compost, is mostly organic matter. Compost doesn't really turn into dirt.

Commercial operations do often mix soil into their compost mixes, as evidenced by lab testing that shows way more mineral matter than there should be. So a bag of compost may appear to turn into soil, but that's just the organic matter degrading away.

Use it. If it smells funky it's because it's been in the bag without enough air. You can spread it out air it out for a couple weeks before digging it in, or mix it into your compost pile.
bi11me
12 years ago
Leslie - as has been said, just use it. Commercial bagged compost will likely have a higher percentage of soil than the homemade stuff, but it will still have organic material. Whether it has viable microorganisms or not, the fauna in your soil will rapidly recolonize whatever you add. Your beds will benefit from the improved drainage.

By the way (I may get flack for this) we like to refer to soil here... calling it "dirt" is like calling your sisters' kids "brats." Dirt is what you have to wash off or sweep up - which, ideally, goes in the compost ;^)
bi11me
12 years ago
I just throw 'em on the pile. (No polyester.)
gargwarb
12 years ago
By the way (I may get flack for this) we like to refer to soil here... calling it "dirt" is like calling your sisters' kids "brats."

I say "dirt" and "soil" interchangeably throughout the coarse of the day. For the life of me, I can't figure out why folks get so worked up over that. It is dirt.
jolj
12 years ago
My sisters' kids are brats, turning 18 &21 did not help much.:-)
Use it.
Compost is like bread, it is better if you make it yourself.
You know what is in it & how it was cooked(baked).
But you have to start some where & commercial stuff is a place to start.
Kimmsr
12 years ago
As long as the bags that compost came in are intact and the moisture level is fairly low then bacterial activity in the compost would be limited. If the bags got torn, while handling and the compost was somehow moistened and tht compost then went into anaerobic digestion (a putrid smell will emit from it) then it needs more processing before use, otherwise, as long as the smell is not obnoxious, you can still use it.
I would not have stored compost any place but in the garden.
Lesuko
Original Author
12 years ago
Thanks everyone.

The bags have not been open and are stored in the shade. I will use the compost this weekend and hope that it will generate some microorganisms.

BTW, I should probably use the term "soil" on this forum. It just sounds so clean to me. Nothing like when I get done working outside. By using "dirt" I feel I get to add a bit of verbal filth to my messy way of gardening- which is simply beginners frustration gone wrong. But it feels good.

Thanks again. I wanted to be sure there would be some benefit if I was going to turn the beds under (?) this season.
dawncols
12 years ago
Fear not. Your soil is full of beneficial microorganisms unless you've gone to extraordinary measures to remove them. Your bagged compost also likely has plenty, as well as plenty of useful nutrients.

Enjoy your gardening!
dawncols
12 years ago
Oh, also--Kimmsr is right--if it turned anaerobic, it will smell nasty. If that happens, it needs processing before going on the beds.