Old bag of compost

[chappy]

Hi all,

I've got a bag of compost from last year which has sat on the ground all winter and it's rather wet and smelly.

Will it still be Ok to use?

Was gonna use it in inside out compost bags for Potatoes.

Will they rot if I use this compost?

Cheers,

Chappy.

[chappy]

[betula]

I don't think I would use it for that purpose. :)

[antipodes]

sounds like it would be better just used as a soil improver, what about keeping it a couple of weeks and using it under the rows of beans? I always bury yucky stuff (usually kitchen waste) under the beans and they love it.
Sounds a bit wet to use with spuds...

[chappy]

Sounds like a plan.

Lucky beans. :)

Many thanks.

[redimp]

I tend to use the last of last years bags for sowing stuff that doesn't seem too bothered about what it is sowed in - broad beans spring to mind but I would think runners will not mind too much either - infact, most of the bigger seeds should be OK is good old compost.  Not sure about the smelly aspect - sound a bit like is has composted further but anaerobically.  I would dry it out first and that sure cure that problem.

[Tee Gee]

Chances are there will be no fertiliser in it.

This will probably have leached out so just use it as a mulch or dig it into improve your soil.

[ACE]

Most fertilisers in cheap composts will only last 4 or 5 weeks, so always buy the freshest you can and avoid the bargain bags from the bottom of the pile.  I aways mix in some slow release with mine as it can be hanging about quite a bit sometimes.

[chappy]

Ok thanks guys.  I'll dry it out and then use a mulch as suggested i think.

My runner beans will be some way off yet as I'm well behind with other things.