I get OH to turn the compost into the next bin when he's emptied the first one for me - apart from that I poke a strong stick into it and wriggle it around energetically to aerate it throughout the summer, then put layers of cardboard boxes over the top for the winter. Seems to work
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
To bring air into the centre of a heap/bin, use the strong cardboard tubes from cling film and kitchen foil; push them into the centre after turning the heap to ensure air is carried in.
I use one of those aerators with the folding 'wings' on the end. It saves a lot of turning, which I find hard on my (already) sore back. You just push the metal pole into the compost, wiggle it about a bit then pull it back out again. The wings open up as you pull the pole back out, bringing compost with it. Works a treat.
Lancashire L., I use one also; got mine from Centre for Alternative Technology about 6 years ago; there are also ones that are like a big auger or drill bit.
Posts
I've never added worms, they seem to find their own way in.
As artjak says, mix it up well, don't let it get too wet or dry,and give it a fluff up/mix at regular intervals.
Yup, Fidget; light and fluffy is this winters mantra for making compost
Even my compost mountain grows its own worms. Spontaneous generation?
It never gets turned, I don't have the back/arm strength, but I try to mix as I build. It will take longer than a good heap but it gets there.
In the sticks near Peterborough
I get OH to turn the compost into the next bin when he's emptied the first one for me - apart from that I poke a strong stick into it and wriggle it around energetically to aerate it throughout the summer, then put layers of cardboard boxes over the top for the winter. Seems to work
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
To bring air into the centre of a heap/bin, use the strong cardboard tubes from cling film and kitchen foil; push them into the centre after turning the heap to ensure air is carried in.
I use one of those aerators with the folding 'wings' on the end. It saves a lot of turning, which I find hard on my (already) sore back. You just push the metal pole into the compost, wiggle it about a bit then pull it back out again. The wings open up as you pull the pole back out, bringing compost with it. Works a treat.
Do you have a photo Lancashire Lass
James
Do post a pic LLass. Does it take a lot of arm strength to pull out?
In the sticks near Peterborough
i will be using a G Fork to mix mine
Lancashire L., I use one also; got mine from Centre for Alternative Technology about 6 years ago; there are also ones that are like a big auger or drill bit.