Compost Bins

[SMS6]

Can any one give me some clues or ideas on what we're doing wrong with our compost bins.  We have 3, one of which we've been filling for about 3 years now but they are all struggling to make anything that looks anything like compost.  We have a small kitchen composter which we use for all vegetable waste - this goes in the compost bin along with garden waste and grass cuttings.  We've even started to add garotta to help it along.

[SMS6]

[kt.]

Check here, it tells you everything you need to know on how to compost and sells cheap composting accessories too.


http://www.recyclenow.com/compost/

[OliveOil]

sounds like too much green waste not enough brown!

Add cardboard and paper/newspaper - you need a 50/50 mix of brown and green waste to get good compost.

[ruffmeister]

make sure its getting hot enough yet gets good circualtion.

[bennettsleg]

Also, try to add in layers: brown stuff, green stuff, brown stuff etc.  I also try to get a layer of manure in every now and again, together with a layer of leaves. 

I've also read that if you provide a central "flue" of chicken wire running the height of the composter the temperature will rise creating a better composting reaction. Have yet to try this one!

Thick layers of grass cuttings will turn to a stinky matt and impede composting.  Ideally, either bag up the grass cuttings in readiness for adding in slim layers or use as mulch.

If you can bear it, start collecting urine and pour it on - it's a free and abundant version of Garotta and ideal not only for adding moisture to an over-dry compost heap but also a rich source of nitrogen. I even get my OH to pee in an old milk bottle for me (it's easier for him!)

You've also got to turn the heap every now and again for even composting/rotting.  I haven't managed to get this far, so don't know the best method (ie: least time consuming and back torturing) nor how often this should be done.

Anyone out there know the answers?

[SMS6]

Thanks everyone, lots of good tips

[cornykev]

A good old wee  :o  will do it the world of good.   ;D ;D ;D

[kenkew]

....and don't forget to put half of it round your rhubarb!

[bennettsleg]

what, the wee or the compost? ???