[Patch]

Hello fellow Allotmenters. 

I have noticed that my compost bin from last year, which has been "closed" and rotting down for a few months now, has developed what I can only describe as a sort of bread crust type surface on its top and that the top of this crust has gone slightly white-ish as well.

I have not turned the compost even when adding to this bin as, being a fan of the Expert books, I've always taken the advice of Dr D.G. Hessayon in his "The Garden Expert" book where he advises not to turn it, whether this is right or not.

Can I still use this compost later on? Is it still safe to use on the garden?

Many thanks.

[JaK]

I believe it is best to turn the compost to airate it every now and then.

[compostqueen]

It might well be cooked through.  Have you checked it via the hatch at the bottom of the bin.  If it's not ready I would definitely give it a stir, or poke some holes through it least to get some air into it. Add some fresh material and some comfrey leaves etc to get it going. A handful or two of grass mowings will kick start it. The white crust is nothing to worry about as I've noticed it on mine when the contents have been left undisturbed

[savbo]

...the advice of Dr D.G. Hessayon in his "The Garden Expert" book where he advises not to turn it, whether this is right or not....

does anyone else ever get the feeling Hessayon sometimes says things just to be contrary?