Compost doesn't look like compost...

twoflower169

Hi

I got one of those plastic compost bins last march/april time, so I had a peep in the hatch at the bottom this last week and it doesn't look anything like compost it just looks like rotted versions of what been put in, except for some garden prunings, that don't look any different at all, there hasn't been any grass cuttings since about sept as I wasn't sure I should put too many grass clippings in. Not been the best for putting out kitchen waste over the winter but still a small aount gone in. I have also given it a bit of a prod and poke and turned stuff over and moved it around in there, in the dark after work most of the time I must admit!
So what am I doing wrong that after a year its not looking very good?

In fact I'll grab the camera and post a picture.........

Ok got a picture how do I post it?

ariba10

Have you kept it damp?

If it is too dry it will not rot. An accelerator might help (Something like male urine.)

Taadaa

I have got the same type of plastic bin (looks like a darlik?), have had it for two years and have never had any compost out of it. I put shredded paper, grass clippings, prunings and veg waste, keep it damp, and have used an accelerator. Maybe I should just give up...

Jack's_mummy

It won't look like "compost" you buy in bags at the garden centre. It will have bits of twigs in it etc. Also I find the bit right in front of the hatch never rots properly. I use a childs spade and fork to get right into the middle of the lower bit and pull out the good stuff from inside.

This website might help.
http://www.recyclenow.com/home_composting/using_your_compost/getting_the_compost.html

msgnomey

I put lots of shredded paper and card in mine and also tip any water from cut flowers in the to help keep it wet...good job it is at the bottom of the garden as it stinks!!!

Kay_Peel

You have to stir the contents regularly over the autumn and winter months. This lets air in and makes sure the dry bits around the sides of the bin get incorporated into the centre and vice versa.

I've actually got a special 'stirrer' that I got through the council's composting scheme. It looks like an arrow. You plunge the stirrer into the middle of the compost, twist it and lift - but you could use a stout stick.

I'm a glutton for punishment, but I would empty the bin. I would then mix it - if its dry then wet it and if its claggy then add some shredded newspaper to the mix. I'd shovel it all back in. (In fact, I do this at least once during the winter months). You'll find that the heap inside the bin appears to have grown - that's all the air you've introduced - but it will sink back to its original size soon enough.

Stick it and stir it once a week throughout April and it should get its va-va-voom back!:j

twoflower169

Aah, all good ideas, Taada I have done exactly the same as you, we are thinking of moving our bin, literally sideways, so having looked at the website Jack's mummy has suggested I will lift it off completely and see if there is any in the middle, I think there will be, and then move the contents into the new spot, but will make sure its wet this year, I think it was ok until the winter.