My first bin full of compost.

Discussion in 'Compost, Fertilisers & Recycling' started by Lyn, Aug 26, 2008.

  1. Lyn

    Lyn Gardener

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    This is the first time I have ever tried to compost garden waste.
    I had my new bin a couple of weeks ago.
    Since then I have been shredding shrubs and putting the kitchen waste and weeds in it.
    It was full to the top and I was a bit worried I had over filled it.
    Ater being told to add a bucket of water, it is happening.
    It is hot and it is reducing by the day.
    Now ,how do I no when it's 'done', I no it will be a while.
    If I don't use it this year can it be left through the winter?
    I never thought I would get excited over composting. :o :D
     
  2. Kristen

    Kristen Under gardener

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    "Now ,how do I no when it's 'done', I no it will be a while"

    If its really hot in the middle maybe as little as 6 weeks. If it doesn't get really hot them probably next spring. Have you got a little "door" at the bottom? It should be crumbly, rather like soil, when its done, and not much recognisable plant material - except some of the more stalky / woody bits (which you can remove and put through again if you like).

    "If I don't use it this year can it be left through the winter?"

    Yup, there's no rush to use it - although sounds like you could use the bin as soon as it can be emptied! You can bag it when its done., or spread it on the veg / flower beds.

    You will probably find it shrinks down as it composts, so you may be able to get more in.

    Giving it a "stir" will help too - you could empty the whole thing out, and "re-load" it mixing everything up int he process.
     
  3. Ivory

    Ivory Gardener

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    "I never thought I would get excited over composting."

    I am completely in love with all composting thing. So you are not alone here! :) ;)
     
  4. Lyn

    Lyn Gardener

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    Thanks for the info.:thumb:
    It is very hot and it is reducing.
    Just off to have a look in the door.
     
  5. Little Miss Road Rage

    Little Miss Road Rage Gardener

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    I've just got my new compost stirer thing and so I've given it a good stir. It was surprising that most of it is actually well on its way to good compost :):cool:
     
  6. Lyn

    Lyn Gardener

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    So what will it look like when it's ready.
    Really sorry about all the questions. :o
     
  7. leonora

    leonora Gardener

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    have to re-send this, I think...sorry if it comes up twice!
    Nothing like the pleasure of using your own compost for the first time...actually I started using it in the Spring, but I've made a lot more since then!! Used it to plant violas yesterday.
     
  8. Lyn

    Lyn Gardener

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    I started my first bin in July.
    I have had a look in the door and it looks the same as when I put the stuff in.
    Maybe a bit darker .
    But I'm not sure what I'm looking for.
    It's not like crumbly soil.
    It did reduce a lot at first but now seems to have stopped.
    I have added water and a good mix of everything as suggested.
    I hope I'm doing this right.
    Or I'm going to have a lot of nasty waste to get rid of. :dh:
    When I take the lid off it's full of life.
    Crawly things etc.
    And it feels warm.
    I can't stir it and mix it up without emptying it as it's to full
    I'll just leave it and wait until the spring maybe. :scratch:
     
  9. lollipop

    lollipop Gardener

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    oooh composting is one of those pleasures. It has a nice smell too if it is going well.


    You should fully empty it stir up and refill it according to the experts, but I have one of old garden claw things which have the tines all bent after an incident with some very compacted hard clay which I use. Plunging it right in the bottom then stirring it as they layers build up.

    I use that garotta stuff but not sure it is actually speeding the process up or not.
     
  10. Little Miss Road Rage

    Little Miss Road Rage Gardener

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