We're aware that some users are experiencing technical issues which the team are working to resolve. See the Community Noticeboard for more info. Thank you for your patience.
📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!

Compost Discussion Thread (Merged Threads)

Options
1373840424358

Comments

  • anniestar
    anniestar Posts: 2,600 Forumite
    hi first time on this forum I am not very green fingered but DH is. However, my pride and joy for the last 5 or 6 years has been my compost bin. It is regularly topped up with veg & fruit. I also put tea bags, some grass cuttings(not many and not very often), egg cartons and the insides of toilet rolls(in tiny pieces) and a newspaper shredded about once every couple of weeks. Anyway, the compost was lovely, crumbly and rich. There was loads of lovely worms as well. About 3 months ago it all seemed to go slimey and since then I can't see any worms at all. Any ideas what has happened? Should I start again? I meant to say that I also use Compost maker occasionally(tihnk its called garotta or something very similar) I would be grateful for any advice as I am pretty clueless and need all the help that I can get. Many thanks.
    Blind as you run...aware you were staring at the sun.

    And when no hope was left inside on that starry starry night.

    :A Level 42- the reason I exist. :A
  • Zazen999
    Zazen999 Posts: 6,183 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    Hi
    Have no fear, ours did the same. Just dig for some new worms and get them in there. You might want to take out the compost that is 'done', set it aside or use it for mulch; put some new veg/fruit/teabags/coffee grounds and any weeds/grass/nettles etc; and it should kick start it again. It could also do with some 'dry' stuff such as shredded/balled up paper/loo rolls/etc, to dry it out a bit. Give it a good mix [and some Garotta] and let it go.
    This has happened a few times, we found various reasons - too wet from torrential rain [add dry stuff]/too much wet stuff [such as grass clippings, add dry stuff]/too little wet stuff [add more grass clippings]/not enough worms [add more worms], but it recovers within days if you just re-balance the mix.
    If you can't be seen by neighbours, don't forget to pee in it, or get DH to...if you aren't already doing so.
  • catford
    catford Posts: 1,114 Forumite
    I got one of my local council compost bins and have only put the proper composting stuff in--but when i open the lid the flies swarm out-:eek:--is this usual;).
    Is there anything we can do about it? :confused:

    The kids and my wife wont even go near it now.:o
  • cannylass_2
    cannylass_2 Posts: 303 Forumite
    i have exactly the same problem :eek: , so would be interested in replies!!!
    no one else will go near the compost bin, and i have to approach wearing protective clothing;) .
    Of all the things I've lost, I miss my mind the most..... ;)
  • Waxy_Bean
    Waxy_Bean Posts: 274 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker
    Fruit flies are attracted to acidic conditions.

    A good covering of shredded paper or sawdust will help neutralise this and also cover up the rotting food. Wiggly wigglers do an anti-acid lime mix for wormeries which I also put in my compost bin to reduce the acidity and get rid of the flies.
    2009 winnings: private box at the ballet, a cooking lesson with Jean Christophe Novelli, a case of wine, £25 itunes downloads, a candle, Football Manager PC game, a lipstick, £250
  • Blacksheep1979
    Blacksheep1979 Posts: 4,224 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    If its just acid thats the problem then bicard/baking powder will do the job too
  • Debt_Free_Chick
    Debt_Free_Chick Posts: 13,276 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    You need a better mix of ingredients - some fruit/veg, some grass clippings, some dry - shredded newspaper, eggboxes etc; semi woody clippings (shredded hedge clippings would be good, but not conifers).

    Some Compost Recipes and other hints from Garden Organic.
    Warning ..... I'm a peri-menopausal axe-wielding maniac ;)
  • Cover rotting foodstuff with shredded paper keeps the flys down and helps dry an overly wet compost bin.
  • Big_Bird_4
    Big_Bird_4 Posts: 528 Forumite
    Or use the flies for target practice when urinating into the bin.:D
  • studentphil
    studentphil Posts: 37,640 Forumite
    Add some garden lime to it.
    :beer:
This discussion has been closed.
Meet your Ambassadors

🚀 Getting Started

Hi new member!

Our Getting Started Guide will help you get the most out of the Forum

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 350.8K Banking & Borrowing
  • 253.1K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 453.5K Spending & Discounts
  • 243.8K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 598.7K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 176.8K Life & Family
  • 257.1K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 16.1K Discuss & Feedback
  • 37.6K Read-Only Boards

Is this how you want to be seen?

We see you are using a default avatar. It takes only a few seconds to pick a picture.