Homemade compost is so exciting! (MERGED)

olibearhorse

As often as he likes I would think, the quicker it breaks down the better. If it's too wet (after prolonged periods of peeing ) you might want to add some more dry to even it out.

As your OH is now such an expert, perhaps you could ask him to come and pee in all of our composts? :rotfl:

absfabs

First good laugh I had today:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

Thank you all:A

madmum33

My OH was stranded in the garden last week as he was putting up our new fence and his boots were covered in mud, so he watered our compost bin several times :rotfl:

I turned it today to mix all the contents, the lower layers seem to be rotting but are a little slimy, need more paper I think. I also found a large ants nest :eek: - full of eggs too

Dragon_Lady_3

olibearhorse - methinks a business opportunity could be round the corner. 100% organic liquid compost activator. Produced fresh daily :rotfl:

Just got to think of a name and a marketing plan and we're off

sb44

Just had our Dalek and caddy delivered, now the questions start.



I have had to place it on paving stones so it can't get any worms from the soil.

I can't dig any soil up as we have no patches of soil, just a lawn and two patios.

Could I just chuck some of my compost from the plants I am repotting into it and how much should I put in to start it off, it is a 220l bin?

Also, with the caddy, do people put a piece of newspaper in the bottom of it before putting scraps into that?

I thought I would have got some papererwork with the bin to tell me what I can and can't put into it but didn't.

I know you can't put bread and cooked food into it, what else should I avoid putting in?

The last question, for the minute anyway, how can I attract some worms up to the surface to collect and put into it?

absfabs

Tricky question, that one, sb44!

I honestly don't know if it works well without any garden soil, but old/used potting compost will have some beneficial bacteria and beasties. So if you have some, use it.

You can also buy some organic accelerator ?garotta you can sprinkle on when you have got a foot or 2 of veg/fruit peelings, shredded paper, bits of cardboard and of course the grass cuttings from your lawn.

There is plenty of info earlier in this thread as to what you can or can't put in to compost.

I've never put newspaper in the bottom of the caddy - but I think it is a brilliant idea!! - I hate cleaning the thing and there are always slimey bits of peel stuck at the bottom, might all come out in one foul swoop with the newspaper lining. Will definitely try this.

getcarter

My dalek is on a paving slab and I've never had any problems with worms coming in, it could be because it's on a crack though...hmm never thought of that.

Carter

olibearhorse

Dragon_Lady wrote: »

olibearhorse - methinks a business opportunity could be round the corner. 100% organic liquid compost activator. Produced fresh daily :rotfl:

Just got to think of a name and a marketing plan and we're off

Yes, you are on to something...

What about Pee-Activator?

May have to speak to you OH about this first...? :rotfl:

olibearhorse

I put newspaper in the bottom of my caddy, need a few layers but it does help with the cleaning!

Sb44 - to help your compost, put any worms, slugs and snails that you find in your garden, into your composter - they all do a great job.

showtunesgirl

olibearhorse wrote: »

I put newspaper in the bottom of my caddy, need a few layers but it does help with the cleaning!

I second this. It really does help!