How to manage compost bin?

Question

I just moved house and want to start a compost, there is a big black plastic compost bin in the backyard so thought I'd use that, it has a plastic bottom I think too. Do I just chuck kitchen scraps in or do i need to add dirt/water/something else? How will I get it out when its full? Would I be better off just digging scraps into some bare soil? Any advice appreciated!

Answer 1

Hi...good for you! Compost is great!

1 - There should be a little door near the bottom of the black compost bin to remove the finished compost. If not, think about getting a new bin...sometimes the public works department in towns have them for free or at cost.

2 - I put everything (from kitchen and garden, except for meat scraps) into my compost up to the size of a corn cob or a small branch...these I put into a separate pile because it takes longer for them to break down.

3 - You need to try to establish a relaxed ration (like 30C to1N) between high (C) carbon material (like grass clippings and leaves) and (N) material (very low in both of these materials)...carbon is lower in coffee grounds, food and veggie scraps, so you can use a lot of these. Too many grass clippings will start to mold and rot, rather than break-down and become smelly!

You can check out more about the C:N ratio and items that go into compost at this link: Elements of composting
http://www.compostinfo.com/tutorial/ElementOfComposting.htm

4 - You should add a little water to you compost to dampen it and get it going...once the breakdown starts thee should be enough water to keep the mass "moist", not wet.

5 - Some people turn their compost to aerate it. However, in your little space this is going to be hard...so get an old broom or hoe handle and every time you add something or 1X per week plunge the handle into the pile and give it a few turns.

6 - Your compost should begin heating in your enclosed container...you can purchase a compost thermometer at most every garden or farm center. And the link above has some ideas on how to "tweak" the pile so it heats.

Why do you want it to heat? So breakdown is quicker and you have nice fragrant compost quicker! Frankly, I don't worry about high the compost is heating as long as it doesn't smell, attract insects like flies, or start sprouting mushrooms!

Good luck...you'll soon get the hang of making compost and find that your home-made product is better than anything you might purchase!

Answer 2

You brought up some good points. I had one and dismantled it because the compost required quite a bit of work. I ended up putting grass, kitchen scraps, cow manure from my ranch, ashes from fires, etc into the flower beds in little groups. They got more rain without having to turn anything over and when everything desolves then it is close to where I want it. The plants haven't suffered and I have lots of earth worms: a good sign.

To keep a good compost pile you will have to layer scraps, grass clippings with dirt. Then keep it wet and turn it every so often. When it is done you have to take it out to your garden. Also, they can build up a lot of heat so keep a hose nearby in case there is a fire. Have fun. I don't mean to scare you.