mint Posted July 11, 2014 Share Posted July 11, 2014 Just got one of these things and we have, after a bit of a faff (well, more than a bit actually), have managed to get all the bits more or less slotted together.The only level bit of ground we have is in full sun. Does that matter?Any tips for starting and maintaining the process?I have read about the "green" and "brown" waste that can go in it and have started collecting the recommended articles in the little bin that came with the composter.Another little thing to do to "SAVE THE PLANET" then?[:D][;-)] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gardian Posted July 11, 2014 Share Posted July 11, 2014 Oh, SWMint, you've started something here!Composting is a subject all of its own - a bit like Boeuf Bourgignon, everybody has their own little way.Anyway, for us its all peelings, saladstuff, tea bags, shredded paper, etc. we don't put in citrus skins nor any fruit stones.Full sun is no problem, but water it from time to time & a sprrinkling of compost accelerator helps. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mint Posted July 11, 2014 Author Share Posted July 11, 2014 [quote user="Gardian"]Oh, SWMint, you've started something here!Composting is a subject all of its own - a bit like Boeuf Bourgignon, everybody has their own little way.Anyway, for us its all peelings, saladstuff, tea bags, shredded paper, etc. we don't put in citrus skins nor any fruit stones.Full sun is no problem, but water it from time to time & a sprrinkling of compost accelerator helps.[/quote]Gardian, what on EARTH is compost accelerator? Is that what it is, earth?[:D]I have read about things like nematodes. There, thought I'd write that as I love the sound of that word, so intriguing and could be a nice thing with which, to use your word, "sprinkle" your conversation with[:D]? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gardian Posted July 11, 2014 Share Posted July 11, 2014 Its a bit like the Eparcyl stuff that you put down the loo if you've got a fosse septique.I buy it in 'Botanique', which is a chain garden centre, but you may not have a branch near you. A large pack lasts me ages, but someone will doubtless come on and tell us how to make your own.I'm given to understand that piddling into one's compost has an excellent effect, but somewhat undignified wouldn't you say? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mint Posted July 11, 2014 Author Share Posted July 11, 2014 [quote user="Gardian"]Its a bit like the Eparcyl stuff that you put down the loo if you've got a fosse septique.I buy it in 'Botanique', which is a chain garden centre, but you may not have a branch near you. A large pack lasts me ages, but someone will doubtless come on and tell us how to make your own.I'm given to understand that piddling into one's compost has an excellent effect, but somewhat undignified wouldn't you say?[/quote]It's OK, I will only do it after dark and provided I manage to climb onto the top of the composter.I am already beginning to harbour doubts as to the wisdom of starting this latest lark. Perhaps I should stick to sudoku? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woolybanana Posted July 11, 2014 Share Posted July 11, 2014 He is winding you up. A nematode is a kind of frog that lives in compost which is why you should never use a sharp point in a compost heap.And they do NOT like being widdled on, even by night. It makes them jump up and bite the offending part, so to speak.So, be careful, nimt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thibault Posted July 12, 2014 Share Posted July 12, 2014 Stinging nettles are an excellent compost accelerator - just don't put any of the roots in your bin. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andyh4 Posted July 12, 2014 Share Posted July 12, 2014 Does it matter if it is in full sun?Well it might do. I bought a plastic compost bin some years ago and in 2 seasons it started to break up because the plastic had not been properly protected against UV light. It has to be said that at 3000ft altitude we also get twice the UV that folk at sea level get, but I found the performance of this bin very poor.I also have to say that I have 2 other plastic bins that have been here for 10 years and show no signs of deterioration.If you can protect the bin from full sun that will increase its life. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulT Posted July 12, 2014 Share Posted July 12, 2014 Now if my memory serves me correctly, the process of composting generates heat so with full sun on it it could get very hot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hoddy Posted July 12, 2014 Share Posted July 12, 2014 Lot of gardeners recommend urinating on your compost heap. I've heard Bob Flowerdew say that his 'recycled cider' is more efficacious than a woman's. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mint Posted July 12, 2014 Author Share Posted July 12, 2014 Thanks for all the tips, everybody.I shall move the composter to a more shady area and I shall persuade OH to do the ..............er..........arrosage[:D] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonzjob Posted July 19, 2014 Share Posted July 19, 2014 That's being sexist in the ex-stream [:-))]If you do and you have put any nettles in just make sure that none are in his way [Www][Www] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pierre ZFP Posted July 23, 2014 Share Posted July 23, 2014 Said to OH 'Oh good, now you're past the menopause we can use your wee on the compost'Her response was 'If you think I'm squatting on top of the compost heap you've got another think coming'Me 'Actually I thought you could use a bucket then pour it on top'Strangely even this suggestion was not met with enthusiasm. ....... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mint Posted July 23, 2014 Author Share Posted July 23, 2014 I don't so much mind doing it en plein air as long as I have first checked that there are no nettles or anything thorny or prickly (no, Wooly, you are NOT invited to comment [:P])Beats some smelly, stomach-churning public loos.Back on topic, have moved the composter to a new position but even the new position is in full sun and I think we will have to re-site before using it. I am told that full sun would dry out the compost too much.It is such a rickety structure that I am not sure it will survive another trip in the wheelbarrow [:(] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonzjob Posted July 23, 2014 Share Posted July 23, 2014 Next to the loo with a hose pipe out of the window? [6] [I] A tun dish on the end of the pipe should suit all parties [:-))]Edit : - Put the tun dish on the loo end [8-)] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gardian Posted July 24, 2014 Share Posted July 24, 2014 [quote user="mint"]Beats some smelly, stomach-churning public loos.[/quote]Mrs G & I have for years, awarded the public / bar / restaurant loos marks out of 10.When I say "Mrs G & I", what I really mean is that its me that has to do an initial recce and report back. I'm usually accused of being over complimentary! Nothing less than a "7" from me warrants a visit.Having said that, the -2 that I awarded a local bar did generate a few comments. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonzjob Posted July 25, 2014 Share Posted July 25, 2014 Off threaad for a mo. When I was in the R.A.F. I was unfortunate enough to have to spend 2 1/2 years in Singapore. Hell, but someone had to do it [6] There is a time of year when the durian fruit is in season. No need to ask when because you smell it and to eat it was described to be like eating peaches and cream in the dirtiest, smelliest toilet in S/pore and believe me that is a SMELLY place!What does it taste like I hear you ask? I have no idea because I never ever got past the smell [+o(][+o(]http://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/why-does-the-durian-fruit-smell-so-terrible-149205532/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jo Posted August 28, 2014 Share Posted August 28, 2014 When we lived in Hong Kong you were banned from travelling on the underground if you had a durian fruit, the smell used to get in the air con!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mint Posted August 28, 2014 Author Share Posted August 28, 2014 I used to share digs with a German girl and, being impoverished students, we always brought back food parcels to share after the holidays.Helga's mother once gave her a whole cheese to bring back. During the course of her train journey back to the UK, this cheese was getting riper and riper and Helga was shrinking lower and lower in her seat.When it came time to get off the train, she was too embarrassed to retrieve the cheese from the luggage rack, so she just left it there![:D] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patf Posted August 28, 2014 Share Posted August 28, 2014 Mint - hoping not to upset you, but one compost bin isn't really enough [:(]You need another space to move one lot on and make room for the next lot.We have 4 compost boxes/piles!The only other advice which I can give, after all the excellent ideas already, is don't put seeding weeds into it.I add all our raw vegetable waste. Sometimes we have soiled waste from the chickens which is supposed to be a good activator, but you can buy a powder called compost activator. As mentioned by Gardian on the first page.When it's ready it's hard work digging it out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mint Posted August 28, 2014 Author Share Posted August 28, 2014 Definitely will get another one, Pat.We still haven't found the ideal spot for the one we already have so I will bear in mind extra space for the second one.I shall have lots of dead leaves to put in it soon.Should have lots of veg waste as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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