What is the best way to get a compost bin started ?

Question

I have a failed compost bin, can I use any of it's contents in the new one ?

Answer 1

the colder the weather the slower the compost breaks down

1/ cover the bottom with very small twigs (twigs won't break down to well but helps to ventilate the compost and save it from sticking to the the bottom) then shredded paper (no glossies) then grass cuttings
2/ if you follow whats allow and whats not rule, then dump in your old compost.
3/ more shredded paper
4/ carry on filling as per normal (teabags, vegetables, eggshells, paper etc)
5/ after a month stir it all up to leave in the air, repeat step 5 monthly.
6/ more shredded paper, etc
7/ air and heat are vital for the breaking down of compost.
8/ try insulating the bin but don't block the ventilation to speed up the compost.
9/ it could take up to a year before you reap the rewards

Answer 2

There is a whole "process" or "system" to composting/mulching. Not only can you use lots of different things in the compost, you must turn it from time to time because it can start a fire, make sure it's in a place or setup that deters rodents and is away from other buildings, it should not stink, etc. Many websites out there on composting..

You didn't say what is in your compost bin or why it failed so how can we tell if it should be added to a new one?

If you are in the USA, every county has a "___(name the county)___ Cooperative Extension Service"...find them in the phone book and give them a call and ask for brochures and suggestions. Or contact your state's Department of Agriculture.

have fun.

Answer 3

Why did it fail and why are you giving up on it? I can't think of a reason why a compost would fail unless you added some type of chemical or substance that killed the micro & macro organisms. If that's the case, be carefull of what you use to start another pile.

If it is just not digesting as fast as you wish it would, analyze why and make correction(s). I occasionally add a bit if inexpensive fertilizer to my pile for the nitrogen effect. It really takes off then.

Good luck with yours

Answer 4

I would think it depends on what your old compost bin is made of - primarily of food waste or garden/yard waste? I wouldn't use any food waste from your old compost, just shovel it into a garbage bag and dispose of it.

My parents are country folk and they started theirs by taking a piece of chicken wire and putting it around a shallow hole on their fence line where it has only partial sun. As they add food waste and garden waste, they turned it with a hoe to make sure the two were mixing and getting adequate exposure to the elements. Mom has some of the most beautiful plants in the county thanks to her fertile soil! Hope this helps - God bless!

Answer 5

on a daily basis is an outstanding day to commence composting. Now you've a efficient decision of brown stuff (dried leaves coming quickly) and eco-friendly stuff (grass clippings and the common kitchen culmination and greens). in case you do not imagine you've sufficient eco-friendly stuff, you could assemble-chop-and bag dried leaves for use next spring/summer season. (chop with a backyard mower once you've raked them right into a pile....clean out all twigs and rocks first) Compost takes a minimum of 6 months if made in a pile. If made in a pitcher, the time is shorter.

Answer 6

Yes save all your pee and add it to compost this is the method used in India /china the nutrients /ammonia act as a starter

Answer 7

yes you can. add shredded newspaper, layers of compost from your old bin, dead bedding plants, veg peelings, and get something called compost activator from your garden centre.

Answer 8

Put the key in the ignition and turn it, you may need to pull out the choke a little at first but once its going it should be OK.

Answer 9

start from new put grass cuttings in first then veg leaves that should do the trick good luck

Answer 10

Go on www.gardeners world.co.uk, they have great advice on all aspects of gardening.