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Original poster

HELP! I don't think my compost is composting

23 replies

scampadoodle · 02/03/2007 18:19

I started a compost bin early last summer. It's one of those black plastic bins you get cheap from the Water Board & I've put it in a reasonably sunny (in Summer) position. I put in kitchen waste & garden trimmings. This morning I had a look & even the stuff at the bottom isn't breaking down, & there are loads of revolting, huge pale green slugs in it. Should I dig up some worms from the garden & chuck 'em in, or wee on it, or what??

OP posts:
Original poster
scampadoodle · 02/03/2007 21:48

bump

OP posts:
ediemay · 02/03/2007 21:53

wee is good but so is ripped up paper tissue or kitchen paper. Most compost has plenty of nitrogen but not enough carbon. If you wee, don't fall in!!!

funnypeculiar · 02/03/2007 21:57

also, try turning it/forking it over, if you can get into the bin ... I am shite at composting though, so you have my sympathy

ediemay · 02/03/2007 22:01

Have a look at this You can download it as a PDF.

You can also phone or email CAT with a query and they will help. They are LOVELY

fishie · 02/03/2007 22:04

mine took about a year, then it suddenly turned into proper compost and is just heaving with worms now. i didn't take much out for a couple of years either, just added. is it wet enough?

TooTicky · 02/03/2007 22:07

We have voles living in ours.

Matonic · 02/03/2007 22:17

DOnt ask me why, but the first batch of compost takes years, then after that, it all speeds up. I've noticed this composting on various different sites. Ediemay is right too, you need a good variety of materials: ideally alternating layers of kitchen waste, grass cuttings, shredded paper, etc, but who has the time to be quite so orderly about it? I chuck in paper if it's beginning to look sludgy, lawn rakings if it looks dry, but otherwise just leave it and don't worry about the creepy-crawlies - they're helping to digest and decompose everything. (Whispers: I don't turn mine ever, too much like effort.)

Original poster
scampadoodle · 02/03/2007 22:29

I have put in shredded-up paper but not for ages; I'll put in some more. It all seems wet enough. The sight of the slugs just made me heave (they are MASSIVE. I thought DH had put in raw sausages by mistake EW!) I will try to turn it but the top is about 4 foot high so it won't be easy.
I imaginr DS1 will be only too happy to wee in it if I can get him something to stand on...

OP posts:
Pixel · 08/03/2007 00:34

I started my compost bin last year and it's been really slow to rot down but all of a sudden it's started to speed up. I was wondering if the slightly warmer weather is helping.

On monday I popped down the allotment to dump my kitchen waste and when I opened the lid of the bin there was a rat sitting there. I've named him Templeton.

Original poster
scampadoodle · 12/03/2007 21:57

Oh god, Pixel, did you shriek?! Do you put cooked waste in your bin?

OP posts:
Wallace · 12/03/2007 22:01

Is it okay to put in the sawdust, shredded paper, etc from when I clean out the hamster? My mum says yes, neighbour says no

morningpaper · 12/03/2007 22:02

In the summer we have an "outside potty" and anyone who wees in it gets a round of applause and mummy telling them how MARVELLOUS it is for the compost

I swear by it

Mercedes · 12/03/2007 22:05

Make sure you stick your tea leaves in. That really helps.
We've found that the compost bin really soaks up waste and when it gets too wet we have a night in the house shredding receipts etc and then add it to the compost.

Avalon · 12/03/2007 22:08

compost game

charliecat · 28/03/2007 09:40

avalon, I have just played the compost game
It says on there pet bedding is ok...

burek · 28/03/2007 10:28

does positioning make a big difference, anyone? sunny/shaded, exposed to wind/sheltered, etc?
Mine's also breaking down very slowly.

charliecat · 28/03/2007 11:31

I have got mine empty and havent placed it anywhere yet...waiting to hear where I should put it

Bodkin · 28/03/2007 16:36

Is wee really good for the compost bin then - I have been trying to tell DP that it is a bad idea to relieve himself in there because it will get really stinky in there (huh, yeah, like it smells of roses anyway )

charliecat · 01/04/2007 13:44

Is cat wee any good for the compost bin?

ZisforZebra · 01/04/2007 21:59

I put my rabbit bedding in to the composter and the worms seem to love it. They also like those large cardboard egg trays. Mine really slowed down over the winter too but is really picking up speed again now.

I think it does to put it in a sunny position because it needs to keep warm for the bacteria to do their munching.

charliecat · 01/04/2007 22:04

I have ants instead of worms in my few days old composter....

Waswondering · 01/04/2007 22:08

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

NKffffffffee0f7f95X1118efd8f2d · 03/04/2007 21:25

My compost wasn't composting properly either and then a neighbour took it over. She emptied it out and then returned it in layers. Then she told me to turn it over regularly. And I now add poo-filled rabbit bedding and it's wonderful. I think all that "oh just chuck in the kitchen waste" works when it's being going for a while. At first you have to be a bit orderly about it. It has to be hot as well.

Rats shouldn't be a problem. You don't put meat or dairy in a compost bin.

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