Compost Discussion Thread (Merged Threads)

VLT

Hi Everyone,

When I opened my compost bin today it was crawling with ants! Is this normal/ok? If not what can I do?

cheers!

olibearhorse

There are loads of ants around this time of year and they love warm places, like your compost! I can't see it as a problem but I am sure someone will advise on this....

just-saving

When you have ants in your compost bin it may be that the pile could be too dry, not hot enough, or has kitchen scraps too close to the surface.
Make sure your pile has a good mix of materials to heat up, and keep it moist enough, adding a sprinkling of water from your watering can if necessary.

Hope this helps you.

VLT

I gave it a stir yesterday, it doesn't seem to be warm though. and yes the majority of the scraps were at the top.!
I'm going to try peeing in it ( well not me personally!)

maow425

DH and I was going to use wee in our compost bin (when we get enough stuff in it), but we were going to wee in a bucket and then put it on there. Our compost bin is very exposed to eyes from all angles of the garden, so don't really fancy dropping my knickers for everyone to see...lol

just-saving

Both human and animal urine is a great source of nitrogen and potassium. It can be diluted and added to a compost heap. However, too much will raise salt levels and discourage worms, so be careful. Manure and bedding from vegetarian pets is also a good source of nitrogen.

As always give it a good stir.

Happy peeing!

greyteam1959

VLT wrote: »

I gave it a stir yesterday, it doesn't seem to be warm though. and yes the majority of the scraps were at the top.!
I'm going to try peeing in it ( well not me personally!)

Flippin 'eck VLT live dangerously.............peeing in a compost bin full of ants
:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

kippers

I put comfrey and nettles in my compost heap as they break down quickly and help the stuff in your heap breakdown quicker too. (make sure you don't put any of the nettle roots in though).

VLT

ok, i've got some nettles in the front drive that I can put in, I got rid of the ones in the garden as I didn't think i could put them in, but anything is worth a try.

gelato_cat

LOL better not squat over the bin after you put the nettles in! :eek:

Suze

VLT wrote: »

ok, i've got some nettles in the front drive that I can put in, I got rid of the ones in the garden as I didn't think i could put them in, but anything is worth a try.