Compost bin

Compost looking rather dry during the winter i add leaves i have collected bit by bit and all the chippings from my chain saw for log burner.
Q; Do i need to keep dry or moist N;B; i do not add activator just the natural process

 

Keep it moist Micky that way you'll encourage worms and other bugs and bacteria to work on it.

 

if it's looking dry then put the hose pipe on it and give it a good soak.

But better still... turn it........ dig the whole thing out, and put it back again, this will get some oxygen into it and get the bacteria and mini-beasties going. If it's dry, water it thoroughly as you're putting it back to ensure it's moist enough.

The best activator you can get is the gardener's wee-wee..... seriously...... I keep a bucket in the shed, quarter fill with water and pee in it, and chuck it on the compost heap,, how much more natural can you get?

 

Moist but not wet is the key.

 

Thanks lads your:e brilliant always get an answer , will turn it out tomorrow and put the watering can on it as i put it back

 

I fully endorse the "turn it" advice. A heap I started last year was looking dry and inactive so about a week ago I turned it into an adjacent bay, added a few fresh grass cuttings and it has sprung into life and reduced in size by 20% already. It already enjoyed "my cider when I had finished with it" (ack Bob Flowerdew!) but the turning did the trick!

 

My dad told me not to put too much sawdust in mine as he reckons it takes a long time to break down. Said straw was very good though.

Sheelagh :gnthb: