Help with compost

I had one of these compost bins for 12 months. But it did not work can any one help it was one of these

 

to GC @Andrew lace

What did you put into it?

 

Browns and greens I go take pic I should u what in it

 

Can not take pic just think it did not get hot stayed cold. I move the stuff to a new bin

 

Did you turn it to mix it up a bit every so often?

Have a read of this thread - http://gardenerscorner.co.uk/forum/threads/instructions-on-composting-2014.3222/ - it has a photo guide on what to use.

 

Ok thanks

 

Welcome to GC Andrew. Composters work better if they have no base and are in contact with the ground, earthworms can then make their way into it to break the compost down.

 

Hi Andrew.
A compost bin of the size you have is too small to generate heat unless you put in a thick pile of grass cuttings and even then the heat won't be sufficient to do much good. You could try adding thin layers of soil and this would introduce bacteria that will help decomposition but it would still be a slow process.
As Sheal has suggested worms entering via the base would help, but earthworms are worms that work in soil and would have only a limited impact. Brandling or tiger worms work on vegetable matter and I'd suggest you think about adding some of these to the bin- you can buy them online or try your nearest fishing tackle shop.
We have two bins about the same size as yours but have now got well established worm colonies in them and the rate of usable compost creation is at very least four times as fast as that in our standard 'heap'.

 

When's the best time to add worms


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Any time but they'll breed faster during warm weather.

 

Ok what happens if I turn the compost or should I not

 

If you turn the compost once in while it will help to speed up decomposing. I can't do that with mine unfortunately but it still rots down very well.

 

Did you see the compost "twizzle" stick that Kristen posted about? To aid "turning" compost?

PS: this post .... http://gardenerscorner.co.uk/forum/threads/instructions-on-composting-2014.3222/#post-537226

 

I've got a dalek type composter "M" and that would cripple me trying to use it in there, thanks for the idea though. I empty my composter twice a year so it rots down fairly quickly on it's own.

 

That's what I'm reduced to since I downsized, a Dalek one I've only been here a few weeks and it's full already (in my defence: I blame the chooks ). I've been contemplating the twizzle stick for just that reason!

*pops thinking cap back on*