Compost advice

[balliol]

I have seen another thread on composting but unfortunately it doesnt answer my question so here goes!

Turned compost at weekend from our oh so cleverly built 3 tub compost bins and notices 2 things, 1 it doesnt seem to have even remotely started decomposing and its been there more than 2 months now it is a good mix of dry and wet and 2 I didnt feel any heat either so I put my bare hand in (YUK!) and it feels stone cold, this is obviously why it hasnt "started" yet (or is it?) my questions are what do I do to get heat in there? should I use one of these commercial activators? am I being impatient all answers gratefully received.

[PAULW]

You could try using a natural activator like horse poo or as recomended by radio solent top soil program, urine dilute and pour over, and make sure you are not being watched when filling the watering can.

[Alice]

Hello Balliol, I think maybe you're suffering from a bit of impatience. The days are getting colder, but be sure your lovely compost material will all break down. Wait and see.

[dexterdoglancashire]

You could always wrap a piece of carpet or an old duvet around your compost bin, so that any heat in there stays in there and does what its supposed to do. DDL

[rustylady]

Composting is a natural process, therefore VERY SLOW!!!

A lot depends where you bin or heap is sited. If it's in the sun it will naturally heat up quicker. This time of year everything slows down, and I've found that no matter what the claims it takes at least a year for a heap of rubbish to turn into compost. When it does, though, it is fabulous - smells good, and does the garden good. Be patient and good luck

[nick the grief]

Better than Horse Poo is Peeing on it .... honest. The Ammonia in pee is high in Nitrogen & a great activator

[JennieAtkinson]

I'd go for the horse poo everytime ........ anyway ........

Balliol I live in a very cold area and my compost never even feels warm even in the summer! But I guess it takes me about 18 months for everything to compost down, so it does happen eventually. And yes it was good stuff. Well worth the wait.

[balliol]

Thanks everyone great advice as ever.......I will be patient.....in future