Turning the heap

How often should I turn the composting stuff in my bin? Started composting last year, and haven't turned it yet..
And I take it I take the big plastic bin off first then just shovel it all back in..?

Rookie question, but the 'constructions' that came with my council subsidies bin were a bit vague

G

 

Once a month is not too excessive, it adds air to the mix ans speeds up the process...compost can be made in as little as six weeks. Although mine normally takes 3+ months.

Please see this topic started by Shiney for concise information http://gardenerscorner.co.uk/forum/composting-recycling/3134-instructions-composting.html

Steve...

 

Thanks Steve.
Ohhhh.. erm.... Think I better get my backside in gear and go turn my compost, since I haven't actually done it since I started last year...

I may be some time...

 

You'll probably find its already composted after a year, thats cold composting. Hot composting is where you turn it to get air in and mix up the mass to raise the temperature.

Steve...

 

Well stuck my fork in the top, and gave a wee twist - surprised steam started to come out, and it was quite hot :D
So I decided I'd remove the plastic, and get 'stuck in', and also relocate the compost heap in the process.

Noticed as I was turning/moving, a few bees flying about, but thought nothing of it, until I got near the bottom, when I could hear buzzing from inside the compost heap....

Think I have disturbed a bee nest, so have left whats left of my compost lying in situ, and basically just kept clear of the whole thing. Don't really know what I should do now ?

G

(Dont know if they're Bumble Bees or Honey Bees - need to check that)

 

Thanks Andy.
After my initial panic, I've done a bit of reading, and decided it's best just to leave the little fellow alone - they aren't doing me any harm, so why bother them.
Bumble bees are protected by law, so I'll just leave them until they die off in the Autumn, and then start turning my compost then (and move what was left from the original heap onto the new pile).
I always wanted a wildlife friendly garden... Now that's a good start lol :D

G