Homemade compost is so exciting! (MERGED)

olibearhorse

Newgirl wrote: »

Hmm, never thought about it... I suppose there is so little 'meat' residue and fat it should make no difference. Certainly, charcoal is basically wood ie carbon which is organic.

Perhaps someone else has done this?

Newgirl

I would stick BBQ coal on - always heard it was good for the soil.

Jayar

Turned mine today and found some white roots. I think they were coming from some potato tops, but I am sure I did not put any tubers in there. Dont know if this is a bad thing or not,

olibearhorse

Jayar wrote: »

Turned mine today and found some white roots. I think they were coming from some potato tops, but I am sure I did not put any tubers in there. Dont know if this is a bad thing or not,

I get loads of white roots, they look like enormous worms! I discovered they came from potato peelings. Didn't worry me, I just broke them off and bunged them back in

nikiyoung

ta olibearhorse was thinking it was ok but there is still a plauge of them think i wasnt adding enough browns added the free papers this week and i'll be adding more browns tomorrow on my day off!

olibearhorse

nikiyoung wrote: »

ta olibearhorse was thinking it was ok but there is still a plauge of them think i wasnt adding enough browns added the free papers this week and i'll be adding more browns tomorrow on my day off!

the way I look at it is there are flies all over the place, so what if they accumulate in your bin?! I worry more about the dry/wet ratio and keep that under control. If it attracts little friend then so be it !:rotfl:

Newgirl_2

I am amazed - we ordered our compost bin from the local council scheme and it came WITHIN TWO DAYS! That has to be a record.

Anyone else had one so quick?

Newgirl

nodwah

I turned my compost from the dalek into the square bin today and there's great stuff at the bottom - about 80% there so another month maybe then I can use it, but that turning is hard work, getting stuff out of the bottom of the dalek. i'm aching all over now!

BTW i've found that spuds can grow easily just from the eyes on your potato peelings in the compost bin they're amazing really.

bathgatebuyer

All this compost talk is making me jealous! I live in a top floor flat and discussed the possibility of getting one with neighbours but others complained about having it in the shared gardens.

Now I get really peeved off when I see how much I could use for composting rather than just throw away. I seriously think that if I ahd a composter combined with the recycling I do at the moment, I could probably cut down my waste to a really minimal level.

A_Clock

I just ordered mine from council! :j Should i dig over where its going, or just put it over the grass? Where best place for it, in full sun or part shade?

Cant wait to get it!!!

quietheart

I've been a bit lax with our compost bin, it doesn't get much of a stir, it's full of tiny flies and enormous slugs (is this bad news?) the main issue is the amount of small flies in the house. they seem to congregate around the kitchen caddy - i can't keep on top of them the little blighters are sending me scatty - any advice on what to do?!