Homemade compost is so exciting! (MERGED)

Mizz_Pink

My compost bin has arrived :j:j:j

Complete with a fridge magent and a sticker telling me what I can and cant put in it. Its on concrete slabs next to the lawn, and ive only put grass in there at the mo, everytime the dogs go outside they sniff the air must be pongy :rolleyes:

So far i have saved a kitchen roll to add to it !

olibearhorse

sb44 wrote: »

We are thinking about getting the smaller bin (con 220) but I was going to place it by the shed on the concrete flags as we only have a square lawn in the back so didn't want to place it on that.

I have just read though that it should be placed so that worms etc can get into it. Does anyone have theirs placed on concrete flags?

Also, is it worth ordering the little caddy at the same time as the small dalek or just using an old ice cream tub or something like that?

I moved one of my concrete slabs so that my bin could sit on the ground in order to allow the worms to work their magic!

olibearhorse

Deni_zen wrote: »

Is it better to have your dalek in the sun or shade? Mine is in a shady corner and pongs a bit so I'm thinking it might need shifted?

Better to have it in the sun as the warmth speeds the process up. Having said that, mine is in part shade and worked a treat!

olibearhorse

ziggy-star wrote: »

Only been using my 'dalek' for 3 days and now Im driving everybody in the household mad :cheesy: Im inspecting the rubbish bin to see what they have thrown away! Then Im marching everyone down the garden to look into the compost bin :rolleyes2

I need to get out more!

I was just the same! :rotfl: I have now passed this obsession on to my boyfriend who sifts through the bins and tell me off for throwing away any bits of paper/cardboard! Way to go :T

olibearhorse

By the way Gang, I can't believe we are on the 11th page, I haven't logged on for a few days so I was most impressed to see we have lured some new composting buddies!

:beer:

Dragon_Lady_3

From reading all of the postings on this thread, am I right in understanding that the compost that we are all happily making cannot be used to plant things in i.e for potting up in tubs etc., ?

So what can we use it for?

I know this sounds a really stupid question, but if I don't ask then I won't know will I ?

absfabs

Dragon_Lady wrote: »

From reading all of the postings on this thread, am I right in understanding that the compost that we are all happily making cannot be used to plant things in i.e for potting up in tubs etc., ?

So what can we use it for?

I know this sounds a really stupid question, but if I don't ask then I won't know will I ?

It's a good question!

You know when the gardening books or plant instructions say "dig in plenty of organic matter/well rotted manure before planting/sowing"?

That's where it can be used, and it really improves the soil and adds nutrients.

If you don't need to dig or refresh any flower or vegetable beds, you use it as a mulch around your plants, conserves water and the rain will wash the nutrients into your soil and the worms will eventually work it in as well.

I never have quite enough compost to go around, honestly.

If it's really well rotted it can be used for pots, but it's probably worth sterilising it, either by baking it in the oven or in the microwave. Haven't done this myself, though.

Sometimes, with big pots, I cheat and use homemade compost in the bottom but top up with shop compost so that the roots have an easier start and all the little rogue seeds are smothered.

Hope this helps.:D

madhouseof4

I have had my dalek in situ for just over a week now, just trying to get the mixture right. Yesterday I found my rabbit trying to dig her way into it :rotfl:

olibearhorse

Dragon_Lady wrote: »

From reading all of the postings on this thread, am I right in understanding that the compost that we are all happily making cannot be used to plant things in i.e for potting up in tubs etc., ?

So what can we use it for?

I know this sounds a really stupid question, but if I don't ask then I won't know will I ?

Be assured, no compost question is a stupid question!

olibearhorse

madhouseof4 wrote: »

I have had my dalek in situ for just over a week now, just trying to get the mixture right. Yesterday I found my rabbit trying to dig her way into it :rotfl:

composted rabbit...yeuk :eek: