Forum home› Problem solving
This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.

Desiccated compost - what to do?

Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
in Problem solving
I've got 3 x 1cu metre compost bins that are mostly full since last autumn and I was going to give them a turn in the week.
But I found that everything inside the bins (annual weeds, shredded prunings, last year's dead annuals, lots of ripped up cardboard etc) was crispy and bone dry.
I know grass clippings are important and although I've got 100ft lawn, the lack of rain means it's been mostly brown since spring and mowing every couple of weeks produces barely any clippings.

I'm not sure if giving the compost a regular soaking is the right thing to do?
Is there anything I can do get the compost going?


Billericay - Essex

Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
«1

Posts

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    Yes, give it a thorough wetting through, and the addition of some recycled beer/cider will get it going. 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    Give it a turn anyway to make sure there's air in it then water thoroughly, pee on it (ammonia is an activator) and then close the lid or cover it to seal in moisture and any heat that builds up as the process starts.  The moisture should get the bacteria started on breaking down and retaining heat will speed the process.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    Thanks both I'll give it a go.
    My neighbours have a little sitting area just the other side of the fence - if they mention a 'smell' fortunately I can blame the foxes they feed :)

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Pete8 said:
    Thanks both I'll give it a go.
    My neighbours have a little sitting area just the other side of the fence - if they mention a 'smell' fortunately I can blame the foxes they feed :)
    As long as you don't whistle while doing it Pete - that might give the game away.... :D

    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    edited June 2018
    :) good point!
    I'll also have to remember not to stand on top of the compost bin while doing it

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
     :D 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • josusa47josusa47 Posts: 3,530
    Obelixx said:
    Give it a turn anyway to make sure there's air in it then water thoroughly, pee on it (ammonia is an activator) and then close the lid or cover it to seal in moisture and any heat that builds up as the process starts.  The moisture should get the bacteria started on breaking down and retaining heat will speed the process.
    I'm not sure this is right.  According to "Liquid Gold:. The lore and logic of using urine to grow plants",. only freshly-voided urine should be composted,  before the nitrates have time to turn into ammonia. But it probably doesn't matter that much.
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    Ok - then I will have to stand on top of the compost bin then
    Any excuse :)

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Pete - you could dress up in a different outfit each time and keep the neighbours guessing...
    I've taken that too far, haven't I? 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    Yes - I'll have to draw the line if there's a chance I'll get arrested or sectioned :)

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
Sign In or Register to comment.