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Allotment Stuff => The Basics => Topic started by: Maidenheadtaff on May 20, 2007, 16:29:03

Title: composters
Post by: Maidenheadtaff on May 20, 2007, 16:29:03
i bought a composter last year and put loads of peelings etc in there.I put some stuff in there that was meant to speed up the process but it dopesn't seem to be turning to compost.should there be something else i can do or is it just patience i need,ad a aries i haven't got any

thanks for any help

rob
Title: Re: composters
Post by: Tee Gee on May 20, 2007, 19:19:16
Was most of the composting material you put in 'wettish'? if so this might be your problem a mixture of wet/dry is best.

I find when I shred private documents the paper shredding make a good dry drainage layer and soaks up excess moisture from veg peelings etc.
Title: Re: composters
Post by: Old bird on May 21, 2007, 15:24:10
Hi

You may find it useful to layer your compost.  I have got 4 huge compost bins and I try to put a mixture of textures in layers  say - weeds x 2" - grass cuttings - 2" x sea weed (if you can get it is is a brilliant activator & is free) manure x 2" and start the cycle again.

The other thing is pee!  That, apparently - is one of the best activators - only thing is you have to be a bit discreet about putting it on!

Sometimes - when you have got the mix right - you can see the compost steaming as it has built up so much heat and is too hot to touch - which is how you want it as it gets rid of all weed seeds!

Good luck
Title: Re: composters
Post by: Maidenheadtaff on May 23, 2007, 12:50:57
thanks again, my composter is in my garden and my wife wante it taken down to my/our new allotment so that should be fun.At least then i can layer it and maybe do some ofthe other.Didn't i read that boys is no good and it has to be girls or have i got my wires crossed

any good way of moving a composter as they don't have bases (hum messy)

rob
Title: Re: composters
Post by: froglets on May 23, 2007, 12:57:39
The process of emptying it and re-filling ( assuming nobody comes up with a clever idea about transporting it all in one...) will help the composting process by mixing the materials up.
Title: Re: composters
Post by: manicscousers on May 24, 2007, 15:14:30
Quote from: Maidenheadtaff on May 23, 2007, 12:50:57
.Didn't i read that boys is no good and it has to be girls or have i got my wires crossed

rob
men's is supposed to be better, but?
also, if it's to be believed, after the menopause, womens is just as good  ;D
Title: Re: composters
Post by: cornykev on May 24, 2007, 21:09:49
Mine gets a regular weeing. :-[ :P :o ;D ;D ;D