Compost pile?

[snosrap5]

I would like to start one. But I don't have the first clue on how to do it?
Is it hard? Do they smell really bad?

I normally buy my fertilizer/compost but Eric said I should start my own.

[Sar]

:clap: Eric has the right idea! ;)

This is part of my field of expertise - recycling! :D

The best thing to do is to build two or three 'compost bins' (the best way to do this is to build a slatted timber frame and sectioned 'door' - I can draw up some plans if Eric would like them!)

By having two or more bins, you can fill one, let it rot for two years (mushing it around sporadically) while filling the others. We have found that the best thing to do is to transfer year one's compost to the second bin (as it aerates it) and then begin on the second.

I don't recommend putting egg shells and tea bags on the bin as they take a long time to decompose properly and it can be quite unsightly to have them scattered on your borders!

I have found that if you use the timber framed bins, there is significantly less smell as it has space to breath - the plastic containers tend to sweat and cause a smell.

Another handy hint is to include some well rotted manure to get the heat going and make sure there is a good amount of nutrients! :)

Seriously, don't get me started on recycling! :lol2:

[Sar]

Also, from my experience (and my Mum's and Dad's) these compost accelerators don't actually help! :rolleyes:

[snosrap5]

Two years seems so long! Wow!

Ok lets talk poo. I can get the kind at the store and it doesn't stink! Or I can get some horse poo from my MIL's. But that stuff stinks.

Can you tell I have issues with the smell.

What exactly can I put in it?

Sarah I'm really really really really really bad on recycling!:run:

Do I have to turn my compost pile? Like with a pitch fork?

A design would be lovely!

[Anakat]

Two years seems so long! Wow!

Ok lets talk poo. I can get the kind at the store and it doesn't stink! Or I can get some horse poo from my MIL's. But that stuff stinks.
Can you tell I have issues with the smell.
Garden compost should smell sweet, not nasty

What exactly can I put in it?
Any prunings, weeds, dead flowers, raw vegetable peelings.
Sarah I'm really really really really really bad on recycling!:run:

Do I have to turn my compost pile? Like with a pitch fork?
I use plastic compost bins, I have three, in the spring I use one, put the next one into that bin which turns it, and have an empty one to start this year with.


A design would be lovely!

Hope that helps
Anne

[Sar]

Two years seems so long! Wow!

Ok lets talk poo. I can get the kind at the store and it doesn't stink! Or I can get some horse poo from my MIL's. But that stuff stinks.

Can you tell I have issues with the smell.

What exactly can I put in it?

Sarah I'm really really really really really bad on recycling!:run:

Do I have to turn my compost pile? Like with a pitch fork?

A design would be lovely!

I know two years seems like a long time, but it is possible - with the right conditions to get a fantastic lot of compost within one year! (so long as you're willing to work with it! ;))

I find that using fresh horse poo works best - once it's layered into the heap and produces heat, it doesn't really smell! ;)

Remember, horse poo is the epitome of country living smell (where I come from! :lol2: Gosh, I miss that smell!)

In basic terms, you can put:

annuals (especially busy lizzies, the best thing to add as it adds moisture)
vegetable peelings,
grass cuttings,
natural cat litter - Yesterday's News really added to the good bulk of my compost this year!
slow release furtiliser seeds
kitchen roll (with the peelings)
Shredded leaves

You don't have to turn it regularly, it will generally do with the odd stab with your garden fork to get some air in for the heat to spread! We generally stab ours to get more waste in and then do the real turn once we're transferring to the next bin! :)

Oh Eva, we'll have to do something about your recycling! Just remember that your boys will have to live with the damage that is created now, so get going and save the earth! :rainfro: (yes, I'm an environmental hippy! :blush: )



I'll try to get a design drawn up for you before Christmas, or I can take measurements of the one that we built for my Dad's allotment! :)

[snosrap5]

Thanks Anne!

Can I use leaves as well as grass clippings?

Sarah you answered this question. Thanks

Did you use.. used cat litter or a new box?

[Sar]

Although a lot of people will go against this, I used the used stuff (wee, not poo) as it helped to keep the 'wanderers' from using my garden for their personal use and created a good texture and decomposition! :)

I now use Worlds Best and get as much as I can into the compost! Just a little difficult as my bin as been full for a long time!

The easiest thing that I have found is to put a small (lidded) bin outside the back door! When you have your kitchen cuttings and peelings, you can just pop it in the outside bin and once that's full, trudge over to the full bin and get rid! :)

[snosrap5]

More questions. Sorry!

Bare with me on this... I'm from the US remember but what is

kitchen roll (with the peelings)


You poor thing, horse manure smells like horse manure. No matter how you sniff it!

Oh and take your time on the design. No hurry. Approx measurements are fine too. Eric can work with that just fine. This way it gives him an idea.

[Sar]

Erm, I have no idea what you call Kitchen Roll in the US :blush: Maybe Kitchen Paper? Bounty? (basically, the very absorbent tissues that you keep in the kitchen for cleaning up cat sick and things! :lol2: Sorry, I couldn't think of a better example! :lol2: )

Oh no, Eva! The smell of muck spreading is warming! :lol2:

I'll get my Dad to take a picture of his compost bins on Christmas day while he's out at the allotment collecting our sprouts for dinner! :)

Here is a link to Green & Easy (http://www.greenandeasy.co.uk/product_single.php?product_id_sent=336&cat_id_sent=) where you can see a picture of what I am talking about! :)

One of the sides is loose slatted for ease of emptying! :)

[Karen]

When we bought this house, there was a huge compost pile, and we have never used it, or added to it :blush:

I really should learn more. :anon:

[Sar]

I'll have you guys recycling and composting in no time! :D

[snosrap5]

That picture is perfect Sarah! Thanks! I need two of those right?

As far as the kitchen roll. LMAO right now!!! We call them paper towels. Can I throw the used ones away or just toss a brand new in?

Can I throw in oak leaves?

[Sar]

That picture is perfect Sarah! Thanks! I need two of those right?

As far as the kitchen roll. LMAO right now!!! We call them paper towels. Can I throw the used ones away or just toss a brand new in?

Can I throw in oak leaves?

You can manage with one, but it is certainly recommended to have two so you still have space to add to - plus, it does give it a longer time to completely rot down! :)

Glad I could make you laugh with the kitchen roll! :lol2: I have actually heard of them being called paper towels, but my mind was absolutely blank! :lol2:

You can just toss the used ones in (so long as it doesn't have sick/poo or the like on it! :lol2: ) If it's just wet, then that will be fine! I generally collect my peelings on some kitchen roll, wrap it up and shove it in the compost :)

Yes, you can throw oak leaves in too - often they can take some time to decompose, so if you can shred them, they will rot down quicker! (Eric will love getting a garden shredder! :D)

[snosrap5]

Eric is beginning to wonder just what I have done by joining VF. He says I'm getting way too many ideas!! :spray:

He is in the process of making my flower pot wheel barrels!:purpleblob: I want two! They are my Christmas gifts! Along with Takoda, a new cat tree and a neuter appointment.:spray:

[Sar]

Just remind Eric that you just don't want him getting bored! :lol2:

Eva, you don't ask for much, do you? :lol2: :lol2: Lucky you having Eric oblige though! :clap:

[snosrap5]

Just remind Eric that you just don't want him getting bored! :lol2:

Eva, you don't ask for much, do you? :lol2: :lol2: Lucky you having Eric oblige though! :clap:

Nope not much! I'm a simple girl!:spray: Honestly I will be the first to admit it but I know I'm spoiled. At least it's not for diamonds and gold! Just kitty stuff!

[LokisMum]

Kitty stuff is the best! And I'm glad to see another composting convert! Nothing better for a garden than compost, natural, giving back to the earth and not creating waste but reusing and returning to nature! Love your planet - yes, my daughter is an environmental engineer (aka Tree Hugger) - wonder where she got that from???

[Sar]

Kitty stuff is the best! And I'm glad to see another composting convert! Nothing better for a garden than compost, natural, giving back to the earth and not creating waste but reusing and returning to nature! Love your planet - yes, my daughter is an environmental engineer (aka Tree Hugger) - wonder where she got that from???

Your daughter sounds cool! :)

There's nothing quite like caring for the environment around you - just a shame that a lot of people don't see it that way! :(

[LokisMum]

Your daughter sounds cool! :)

There's nothing quite like caring for the environment around you - just a shame that a lot of people don't see it that way! :(

I couldn't agree with you more. And yes - I think my daughter is very cool!

[snosrap5]

Sarah, my MIL is INSISTING I take her compost bin. She has an extra one. I wanted to build it but if I don't take it she will be offended.

Will it still work if I use a bin? I don't have it yet but as soon as I do I will take a picture.

[LokisMum]

Compost is compost - I'd take it if I were you! There's nothing better for gardens!

[Anakat]

Sarah, my MIL is INSISTING I take her compost bin. She has an extra one. I wanted to build it but if I don't take it she will be offended.

Will it still work if I use a bin? I don't have it yet but as soon as I do I will take a picture.

I use bins, I have 3 so I have them at different stages of decomposition!!!

[Sar]

Sarah, my MIL is INSISTING I take her compost bin. She has an extra one. I wanted to build it but if I don't take it she will be offended.

Will it still work if I use a bin? I don't have it yet but as soon as I do I will take a picture.

:lol2: I bet Eric persuaded her so that he wouldn't have to drag the tools out again! ;)

You can get some good compost out from bins, but I find that the best way to produce it is to water it regularly in the hotter months - helps it to stay moist and decompose! :)

[snosrap5]

Let me tell you what everyone is telling me is going to happen if I make a compost pile!!!!

THEY SAY I'M GOING TO GET RATS!!!

Sarah I can't have rats!!!!!! What if I don't use any food products and use only grass cuttings and leaves and some horse poo will that work still?

[Sar]

Let me tell you what everyone is telling me is going to happen if I make a compost pile!!!!

THEY SAY I'M GOING TO GET RATS!!!

Sarah I can't have rats!!!!!! What if I don't use any food products and use only grass cuttings and leaves and some horse poo will that work still?

I doubt you would get rats! I have never had any here (and this is central Manchester!)

I would think that yes you would still be able to make compost with cuttings, annuals and poo, but it would be better with your food waste :)

Is there generally a problem with rats in your area?

[snosrap5]

No not normally. We do have what we call tree rats.

Eric says he has a nest of them in our barn shed. I'm scared to poison them because I'm afraid they would come out and die in the yard and my dogs might find them before I can dispose of the bodies.

[neetanddave]

I never have a problem with rats in compost.

[snosrap5]

Then what the heck is wrong with my family! You would think I was going to start a garbage dump in my neighborhood!

[LokisMum]

I've never had rats in my compost either, and I add the food waste to it too! The only thing I wouldn't add would be meat, bones or dairy!