Let's see those '11 gardens!

[wayner123]

Hey Guys,

I have looked and looked over at gardenweb and I can't seem to find an answer. Some say that you can some say that you can't. Here is my problem.

I just went and got 2 yards of compost on Saturday. This is my first time getting compost and I am not sure how it's supposed to smell or look really. However, I do know that while I was unloading it, it seemed to radiate heat. Now it could have been the scorcher we had Sat. but it stunk pretty bad and I could swear it was hotter near the pile. Should I go ahead and fill my raised beds (4' x 8' x 10") with it and go ahead and plant. Or should I fill my beds and wait till Spring, when it no longer smells to plant?

[jjirons69]

Originally Posted by wayner123

Hey Guys,

I have looked and looked over at gardenweb and I can't seem to find an answer. Some say that you can some say that you can't. Here is my problem.

I just went and got 2 yards of compost on Saturday. This is my first time getting compost and I am not sure how it's supposed to smell or look really. However, I do know that while I was unloading it, it seemed to radiate heat. Now it could have been the scorcher we had Sat. but it stunk pretty bad and I could swear it was hotter near the pile. Should I go ahead and fill my raised beds (4' x 8' x 10") with it and go ahead and plant. Or should I fill my beds and wait till Spring, when it no longer smells to plant?

Wayne, I've seen the same thing. Often compost is mixed with horse or cow manure that may still be a little green and breaking down. If it's still generating heat, I'd give it time to finish working. Get a thermometer and insert down in the pile to check, especially at night once the sun is down. Compare temp to surrounding beds. The smell verifies it's still working, too. It may be a little too strong for plants right now. You can always get a 6 pack of marigolds pretty cheap to test it out. Search the net to see opinions.