Homemade compost is so exciting! (MERGED)

nodwah

A_Clock wrote: »

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!!!

:T excited for you!!

Just put it in an out of the way corner, i've heard it said that a bit of sun's heat helps in the winter but it should heat up by microbial action anyway. I just put mine staright over a patch of weeds and didn't bother digging over.

nodwah

rovers wrote: »

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?!

I'm bothered by them too. Just keep emptying often and try to make sure the lid of your caddy is tight shut - mine doesn't shut properly so I have to put a can of beans on it!

pegginout

Just got a compost bin!!!!
Husband not keen coz someone told him we will have rats and snakes and he HATES rats and snakes!!!! Anyway as any good wife knows I just ignored him and got one anyway!
So I have placed it on soil, should i have dug down a bit and then put it in or just plonk it on top?
Veg peelings and fruit skins in a moment but do the pips grow????
I have read that some folk have potatoes in theirs!

nodwah

I've got a compost bin and my father before me and we've never had rats or snakes. You might be lucky and get a slow worm which is a lizard, I'd be thrilled to see one of them (I don't get out much). So keep on ignoring your husband!
You do often get spuds growing in them but I haven't found anything else much

pegginout

compost bin half full!!!!!!
Just got husband to wee on it...he thinks im insane so he didnt ask too many questions! what exactly does male urine do to my lovely compost? Kill the rats and snakes maybe???? LOL

nodwah

pegginout wrote: »

compost bin half full!!!!!!
Just got husband to wee on it...he thinks im insane so he didnt ask too many questions! what exactly does male urine do to my lovely compost? Kill the rats and snakes maybe???? LOL

In broad daylight!!!!:rotfl:

The nitrogen in urine apparently helps things to heat up and break down quicker. My DH on't wee into ours, he just says I will if you will!

LiamM_2

Urine is indeed a great additive to the compost heap. Not sure about male urine vs female urine, though. Can't say I've studied and compared that closely!

We often advise the more willing customers that urine is the best additive. Our MD even wrote it into his Composting Guide : http://www.originalorganics.co.uk/compostinghints.htm

It's true :-)

cazziebo

Can I use the compost in my dalek to plant bulbs?

BallandChain

The bulbs would end up getting exterminated.

cazziebo

BallandChain wrote: »

The bulbs would end up getting exterminated.

Thought that was a technical gardening term before I clicked...! :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: