How to Compost Fish Remains
Thermophilic bacteria, which thrive at temperatures between 104 degrees and 160 degrees F are the most efficient means to break fish remains down into compost. Improperly composted fish remains can create extremely unpleasant smells and produce an excess of ammonia. Using the right mixture of moisture, temperature, acidity and fibrous material, it is possible to reduce unpleasant smells to nearly zero while retaining the nitrogen and other nutrients your garden needs. Fish remains that have been properly composted help balance the acids in clay soil, and improve drainage. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Tumbler style compost bin with tight fitting lid Sphagnum peat moss Fish remains Fruit and vegetable scraps Coffee grounds Tea bags Shredded newspaper Grass clippings Leaves Sawdust
Instructions
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Ensure adequate oxygenation of your compost heap by using a tumbler style container. Due to the high amount of ammonia produced by decomposing fish remains, turning a heap with a fork or spade is not going to give you enough oxygen to keep your compost active.
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Pack your compost cylinder half way with sphagnum peat moss, then add fish remains. Top with more peat moss, plus fruit and vegetable peelings, grass clippings, leaves, coffee grounds, shredded newspaper, sawdust and tea bags. Do not add eggshells when composting fish remains, as the additional calcium speeds up ammonia production. Add enough water to soak the peat moss.
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Turn the cylinder and water your compost bin, soaking the contents daily. Be sure to wear a dust mask, especially if you have any allergies. Add sphagnum peat moss if needed. By the twelfth month, your compost should be ready to apply to the garden.
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Screen compost, returning any incompletely composted fish remains or other material larger than a dime to the tumbler.
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Age compost for at least a year. Apply to your garden just before you till the soil for the next season's planting.
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Tips & Warnings
Be sure to wear gloves and a dust mask when handling raw compost. Age compost for at least a year before using.
Do not apply raw compost directly onto fruits and vegetables intended for human consumption.
