Compost Discussion Thread (Merged Threads)

angelavdavis

alanobrien wrote: »

This is a myth. OK, so it is definately preferable to put it on soil for speed of conversion as the worms will get to the inside of the composter quickly however it isn't essential. In my less than enlightened days i used on old barrel on concrete the only opening was at the top. Over a couple of years it go filled with garden stuff which turned into very nice compost. I recall it was worm city when i finally emptied the thing.

You can add a spadeful or 2 of garden soil to the bin to introduce the bacteria, worms, etc into the bin. It doesn't need to sit on the soil.

Lord_Gardener

Most of the composting process is carried out by aerobic bacteria (unless you vermicomposting - composting with worms!) - think of tumbling compost systems which keep it mixed and aerated thus speeding up the composting process. Best place is direct soil contact to encourage worms and other insects into the mix quicker but it will work on your slabs, just a little slower!

TorThe

For those composters amongst you!

Gardening Which recently tested a range of additives to help your compost get going!

They found that adding sand was cheapest and the most effective! Also soil (possibly better as contains microbes). They didn't really rate the expensive commercial additives.

We've got young children and have kept last years play sand (once it gets too dirty and the cats have had a little play in it too!) and use that. So it's free, saves us having to dispose of the old stuff, effective and contains nitrogenous waste!

How's that for money saving?

Lord_Gardener

Let's hope that there's no Cat poo! Just need a shovel of earth (from under trees is best) to get loads of bacteria and get your heap under way!

Jayar

Thanks TorThe. That's a fine way of getting rid of unwanted sand.

robnye

or the old one of ' using your own wee'........ many a sneaky walk in the dark....... :rotfl:

trying no to step in the next door cats poo.....

beer2006

Check which sort of sand you should use, I remember hearing ages ago about not using builders sand as it has impurities or something in it, I honestly can't remember now.

How about peeing under a tree and using a spadeful of that soil, get the best of both worlds

Aliss

Word of advice, if you are a laydee and have one of those big black plastic compost bins with a lift-off top, do not get drunk and decide to hoick yourself on top of it to apply the, um, accelerant. Even if nobody can see you, they will when you are eventually found and hauled out.

Jayar

Aliss wrote: »

Word of advice, if you are a laydee and have one of those big black plastic compost bins with a lift-off top, do not get drunk and decide to hoick yourself on top of it to apply the, um, accelerant. Even if nobody can see you, they will when you are eventually found and hauled out.

:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

Oh, the weird directions these threads take
You know when you get builders and general work people in, some of them like to "mark their territory". Wish I had the nerve to put up a sign for them directing them to the compost bin.

Shogunladyuk

Aliss wrote: »

Word of advice, if you are a laydee and have one of those big black plastic compost bins with a lift-off top, do not get drunk and decide to hoick yourself on top of it to apply the, um, accelerant. Even if nobody can see you, they will when you are eventually found and hauled out.

:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:
Thanks Aliss...Now can anyone tell me how to remove tea from my keyboard!