Homemade compost is so exciting! (MERGED)

showtunesgirl

Sorry about that link, it works fine now.

I've never really had a fly problem at my compost bin. I think it's just cause we make sure that it's never too wet / dry really. If you get the balance right, they don't seem to hang around!

absfabs

Hi all, yes, I'm still excited by good composting, too!

Been doing it for quite a few years now, and because of lack of space I started with a couple of old dustbins when we were first given a wheelie-bin.
How's that for recycling?

I drilled a few holes in the bottom for drainage, but because there wasn't good soil contact - they are actually standing on concrete - I regularly add a layer of garden soil and or spent potting compost to add microbes, etc.

When it is ready there are always lots of worms and other creepy crawlies, so they do seem to get in to do their stuff.

Flies and smells have beena problem when it's hot and in summer with lots of squidgy fruit waste, e.g. melon, soft fruits, banana skins.

The remedy is quite simple, add a layer of garden soil, an inch or so thick, just enough so you can't see the fruity bits and the flies can't get in so easily.

A layer of grass will do as well, if the lawn needs mowing. Just make sure you then add dry stuff as well in the next few days.

Hope this helps!

olibearhorse

Hi absfabs - glad we have attracted another composting fanatic!:T

Great advice, thanks for that. You are obviously a very experienced composter.

I am glad the excitement never wears off, not that I don't have excitement in my life of course :rotfl:

jockettuk

please settle an argument in our house please

Teabags we know you can put them in the compost bin but the question is

can they go in the bin if they been dipped in tea that has milk in it..


thanks for your help

Kantankrus_Mare

Hmmmm good question.......one Id not thought of. I save all mine from work but they are from teapots so no milk. Maybe someone else will know the answer but I cant see it being a problem.

absfabs

I don't think the odd teabag with a tiny trace of milk does any harm. You could always make sure they get well squeezed?

rosieben

oh good grief, I never thought of that! I drink lots of white tea, so I can see I will be rinsing the tea bags in the water when I've finished washing up!

absfabs

[QUOTE=olibearhorse;4997447
I am glad the excitement never wears off, not that I don't have excitement in my life of course :rotfl:[/QUOTE]

It still a surprise every time how each batch comes out!

(Just shows how incompetent I really am)

Last lot a few weeks ago was quite soggy, it had looked really dry earlier so I watered it, and I the drainage holes had blocked!
Used it anyway, spread the gunge under the fruit trees, it dried out in a day and still acts as mulch.

olibearhorse

jockettuk wrote: »

please settle an argument in our house please

Teabags we know you can put them in the compost bin but the question is

can they go in the bin if they been dipped in tea that has milk in it..


thanks for your help

Ah, now I make tea, remove the bag and then put the milk in....

I have to say, I really don't think it will matter, the milk traces would be so minimal.

olibearhorse

rosieben wrote: »

oh good grief, I never thought of that! I drink lots of white tea, so I can see I will be rinsing the tea bags in the water when I've finished washing up!

:rotfl: what a palava! I think it would be quicker to change your tea making process :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: