compost is too wet and smelly

What's the best way to dry it out stop it getting too wet and smelly

 

Stir in some shredded paper? Shredded cardboard?

Do you have it covered to keep the rain out?

 

Its all about layers of 'greens' and 'browns'. Or more technically, nitrogen rich (greens) and carbon rich (browns).

If, like mine, your compost bin takes all the lawn mowings, the cut grass falls firmly on the side of greens and will turn the compost smelly and wet. But here's a trick. Leave it out to dry for a day and it turns into 'browns'.

 

I would top dress the borders and start again , or just put the lid on

 

Think I have to tune it Tomzs see if that helps if not have to put a lot of shredded paper in.

 

Should I drill holes in my compost bin

 

Depends what you are using. Is it a purpose built compost bin?

I use my boring, council standard issue green waste wheelie bin. I've drilled loads of holes in it for drainage and air circulation. A proper compost bin would presumably already have that sorted.

 

What size holes u drilled in it and how many

 

I used my biggest drill bit, which I think is 17mm. I just went crazy. Still gets a bit soggy in mine at times though, so I might drill some more. At a guess, I'd say I put maybe 20 holes in the bottom, and maybe 10 in each of the four sides. None in the lid though, on the basis that I wanted to keep heat in and rain out.

 

Ok I have to do that thanks

 

I'd find a nice cold day then tip it out and give it a good mix up incorporating some ripped up cardboard,hard work but it'll keep you warm

 

Should I put worms in my compost bin

 

Wouldn't hurt, but they usually find their own way in (along with other creepy crawlies which thrive in that environment)

 

Do you use yours as a 'mobile' compost bin. I was just that shouldn't you take the bottom off, so it's more like a dalek bin?

 

Certainly, but brandling aka tiger worms will chomp away at the contents much better and faster than earthworms.