Starting a Compost Bin (Merged Thread)

Caroline2CV

Compost Aerator - know a DIY/engineer? Have a look at the picture 1st

On a UK Selections website (sorry I lost the link) Product code: GF1532 @ £11.95

Description:

Designed to lift and mix the compost so speeding up the composting process and making sure the compost is well mixed and aerated. Simple to use and effective, the blades at the base are hinged so penetrate easily on the way into the compost, but grip and pull the compost when lifted. An easy way to check that the compost process is working without emptying the bin. Measures 85cm.

I have one and use it each week on my bins before adding layers of kitchen waste, shreded carboard, etc.

Kazonline

To mix mine I just use one of those thingy's with 3 prongs - looks a bit like a twisted claw. I think originally they were for turning the soil/twisting out light weeds. I bought a long handled one in a cheapie shop for £3 a few years ago.
As for worms, I was re-levelling the garden the other day and came across quite a few in one patch... guess where they were re-homed

I'm thinking of getting some manure from the fields to stick in it as I made the mistake of putting some large pieces (eg odd carrot, potato whole) into it, and need it to heat up to break it down a bit quicker. Will that and a bit of the 'golden liquid' help?

Kaz x

Caroline2CV

Kazoline - re your bin heating up - Think it depends on:

1. weather temperature
2. If the sun shines on your bin - that helps it 'cook' also
3. chopping up garden/kitchen waste into smaller bits helps
4. The larger plastic bins seem to cook quicker (my 300L heaps quicker than the 200L ones)
5. As for the 'amber liquid' some would say it's an old wives tale!

Kazonline

I'm willing to try anything!
When I realised my error (whole spuds and carrots still in there) I whizzed the next few loads through the food processor first, and thanks to a compost caddy the composter is opened far less frequently anyway (about twice a week). I don't think I'll get to use the compost this year unfortunately. My current plan is to continue using this one until the weather dries, then get another to place in an area that is wet during winter (not got a great garden). I'll transfer the contents and use that for the summer, and then when it gets wet again I'll leave that one to 'work' for the winter, and start filling the original again (it's in an easy access area). Hopefully that will mean that I'll have good compost in the overwintered one by the spring, and can then repeat the cycle.
Kaz x

Linda32

csnann wrote:

You don't need to buy an accelerator - get your boyfrend or husband to wee on the compost! Apparently the nitrogen in it will help break down the vegetable matter really fast, you could do it yourself but you might have trouble balancing!:rotfl:

:rotfl: I didn't dare mention that way.

BrokeWelshChick

Thank you all for your replies.

After last weekends snow and not being able to get in the garden after work, my compost bin (used my old rubbish bin with lots of holes drilled into it) is now in place,the spot I have chosen gets lots of sun, when we get some.

Also re-homed a few worms, hope they will be happy in their new home.:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

Next task is to look at growing my own potatoes.

BWC. xxx

Ted_Hutchinson

Caroline2CV wrote:

As for the 'amber liquid' some would say it's an old wives tale!

But they'd be very wrong See Wiki Urine contains large amounts of urea, an excellent source ofnitrogen for plants. As such it is a useful accelerator for compost.

Kazonline

Had a little mooch around the net and came upon this good site. Lots of info on composting if anyone is interested ...
http://www.recyclenow.com/home_composting/composting/index.html
I'm going to be on the lookout now for young nettles to speed mine up - oh and do remember to dilute any 'golden liquid' as apparently it's a little too high in salt for the worms....
Kaz x

nodwah

I've just been on the waste aware scotland site to find out what's happened to my compost bin order and noticed an extra page of other composting things that I never saw before.
Such as Bokashi starter pack of 2 bins + 2 months supply of bran for £24 - I've seen these elsewhere for £70 odd
Greencone £49 - I know I've seen that more like £70 too
Can o worms £66 - not sure if this is cheaper

I'm really glad I spotted the bokashi coz I was really swithering about getting that at the dear price so I've ordered it and see what happens.

So any greenfingered Scottish residents have a look, tho you have to put in your postcode so maybe not available in all areas

Kay_Peel

Well spotted Nodwah and thank you. I've just purchased a Bokashi set for 23 pounds (one pound off for an on-line order). The same 18 litre set is on special offer at Wiggly Wrigglers for 40 pounds instead of 55 pounds. The larger size, 19 litres is on special offer at 70 pounds!

Bargain! Now get on with your essay!

KP