About to making my own compost in a few days

I a planning on starting a new compost outdoors in a shady area
within a few days and gladly take any tip that will increase the
quality of it.

I read for example that you should have sticks at the bottom for circulation.
Should I just put some big ones at the ground and then put it on top, or should
the sticks actually be a part of the bottom compost? Because I dont want big sticks in it, since im taking the time to make all the vegetables really small for faster composting.

I will have some pure soil over as well in the autumn, should this be mixed with the
vegetables or put in the bottom / top?

Is it a good idea to throw in some worms from the beginning so I dont have to wait for them to "find it" as well?

Thanks!

 

If the composter is open at the base the worms will find there way in very quickly.

There's no need for sticks at the bottom, the worms can't climb. It's best to think of it as a sandwich putting in layers of different things. Starting with vegetation, be it weeds or vegetable matter, then following with shredded paper or torn up cardboard, then a layer of soil and so on. I've learnt my lesson with mine, I don't add sticks as they take years to rot. I try to remove seed heads as well, particularly from weeds or they will sprout in the beds later when the compost is used. Don't let the composter/heap dry out, I pour water over mine from time to time to help the process and this will help worms to work through it. They will retreat if it's dry.

Some gardeners turn the compost heap from time to time to help speed up the process but I have left mine and dig out what I need from the bottom.

The spare soil you have can be added as part of the 'sandwich' but if it's a great amount add some at a time.

 

That is very true

Cant wait to get rid of more vegetables now. Looking forward to building
this compost and at the same time taking better care of my own waste / enviroment.

1 kg of bought carrots just had to go earlier. They tasted absolutely nothing. Besides,
have my "Paris Market" on the go as well. Have read that they should taste really sweet
so fingers crossed.

Is paper / cardboard a step that is necessary for as good soil as possible?
Have thrown in some eggshells as well, the coming tomatoes like this added
to the mix as well right?

Thanks!

 

No, paper isn't necessary for good soil but it does help to aerate the compost while the worms are doing their work. They will break the paper down too. Adding egg shells and tomato foliage is fine.

 

Excellent!

 

I've found that when turning the heap some tiny baby worms appear to be nesting in the folds of cardboard, so I think it does help. Good luck Magnus