A few days ago I was posted on the Elephant Journal blog!

For all of those compost fans who want to know where the concept and spark of balconycompost.com began it’s a definite read. Please rate and digg if you can!

I’m on the Denver Urban Gardens mailer and here is a question that was asked:

Okay, I’m kind of struggling with composting. I had mushrooms growing a few weeks ago, and now I have fleas that are getting to be a problem. I add green and brown to the bin, water, stir once or twice a week — what am I doing wrong? Also, I have not seen a single worm in there. Help!-JH

Here’s my response:

Well for starters I don’t view mushrooms in your compost as much of an issue. Just means you’re doing something right keeping good healthy soil and staying toxin free!

As far as your flea issue is concerned, there will always be plenty of bugs in your compost, it’s a good thing! They help break down kitchen scraps etc… into compost hummus. But if you’re sure you have fleas (which as far as I’m aware is not a natural compost bug) you may have your compost a little too soggy. It should be as moist as a damp sponge, no wetter. I would dry it out for awhile until the fleas go away. Remember your green/brown ratio should be 40/60 which will help with your moisture level. Also to help get rid of the fleas: they don’t like garlic very much, try composting some of that on your pile.

And as far as your worms are concerned, if you’ve got a big bin (3×3′+) the compost may be too hot for worms to want to get in there. This is good. If you’re doing more of a passive style compost you can jump start your worms by picking up some red wigglers from City Floral or other garden centers. -CP

Perhaps this can answer some of your questions as well!