Sloppy Compost

FatGaz · « **on:** October 15, 2007, 20:30 »

Went to get some compost out of my compost bin today - the top looked fine, but it was all 'soggy / sloppy' underneath. Any advice on what I should be doing? Should I be adding more paper? It is mainly kitchen waste.

Thanks

shaun · « **Reply #1 on:** October 15, 2007, 20:32 »

whats the bin made off gaz and have you been putting lots of grass in it ?

muntjac · « **Reply #2 on:** October 15, 2007, 20:33 »

turn it out and then add loads dry straw n such .its to wet .put a cover on it and dont add grass in so much quantity as shaun suggests

FatGaz · « **Reply #3 on:** October 15, 2007, 20:38 »

its a 330L black plastic bin from 'recyclenow' - I've not been using grass cuttings

WG. · « **Reply #4 on:** October 15, 2007, 20:40 »

I'd say you need to add air. Straw certainly helps to do that but only if it can get air from underneath and/or through the sides.

I assume it also smells bad?

FatGaz · « **Reply #5 on:** October 15, 2007, 20:42 »

doesn't smell too bad - but there is quite a few tiny flies around the lid all the time

shaun · « **Reply #6 on:** October 15, 2007, 20:44 »

agree there whisky golf those plastic bins just make it sweat

WG. · « **Reply #7 on:** October 15, 2007, 20:45 »

What ventilation have you provided for the bin?

FatGaz · « **Reply #8 on:** October 15, 2007, 20:48 »

:?: ventilation :oops:

Sally A · « **Reply #9 on:** October 15, 2007, 20:49 »

I'm sure I read somewhere that if you add egg boxes, loo roll inners etc, they create natural air pockets and stop compost turning to mush.

muntjac · « **Reply #10 on:** October 15, 2007, 20:49 »

good point re air .. werks for me

richyrich7 · « **Reply #11 on:** October 15, 2007, 20:50 »

Quote from: "muntjac"

turn it out and then add loads dry straw n such .its to wet .put a cover on it and dont add grass in so much quantity as shaun suggests

As Muntjac says, I have two "darlek" shaped ones in the back garden, mine rot really well but you need a good mix of stuff, small stuff is best greater surface area etc. and give 'em a good stir every now and then.

WG. · « **Reply #12 on:** October 15, 2007, 20:51 »

Composting is an aerobic process - requires lots of air otherwise you will get anaerobic digestion (= foul smell + sloppy mess).

Have you drilled drainage holes too?

shaun · « **Reply #13 on:** October 15, 2007, 20:53 »

cant think where i seen this gadget,but its like a spear with barbs that are hinged and you stuck it into your heap and pulled it out,has you pulled it out the barbs came out and pulled the compost from the bottom to the top so mixing it up as you go.
I just use a fork

FatGaz · « **Reply #14 on:** October 15, 2007, 20:54 »

nope - no drainage holes - I just placed it on some bare earth and started filling!

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Sloppy Compost

WG.

WG.

Sally A

WG.