home compost query

Hi all

I've been using some compost from my bin which has been in there for years. It seems fine, good texture and smells good, absorbs water well. However I've noticed that plants don't thrive with it, I'm guessing because of nutrient deficiency, which was mentioned on another thread (and which surprises me actually). Wondering if anyone can suggest the best use for it, or how to improve it nutrient-wise? Just combining it with commercial compost makes the whole exercise of making it seem kind of pointless. I've tried adding liquid feed but it doesn't make much difference.

Thanks

 

Hi,

Think its always best to use compost from bins as a top dressing to the garden soil.
The worms etc will take it down into the soil and improve things that way.

Would never consider using it neat for any plant.

 

I think the word "compost" is the problem.
There is compost you buy, mostly a balanced mixture, with added nutrient and often peat or coir based or soil as in JI.

And there is compost from rotted down plant material.

I've never used the latter as a growing medium for pots, too many weeds and an unsure nutrient content, plus its probably pretty acidic.

Best as Ricky says, used as a soil improver.

 

Makes sense, thanks.

 

Today I put some Kitchen waste in the compost bin, the hundreds of Red Worms that were in the lid were frozen, help I don't want loose them.
I did stir the compost and added some paper.

 

Could you stick or wedge an insulating material like thin polystyrene or a couple of those cheapie windscreen sunshield thingies into the lid? It would help to keep the frost on the outside. Even a couple of layers of cardboard might do the trick?

 

I did glue bubblewrap on the outside of the lid.

 

Brandlings normally do not come up unless the heap is saturated(They need air!) Suggest you cover the bin, old carpet is good, check that drainage is available and perhaps 'harvest' worms by putting in a pot of moist compost that has no bottom upon the top of the deposit. Cover this also (they prefer it dark). Start a new heap and tip the pot into it