Compost

[Florence Fennel]

My compost bin is getting full again and I often aerate it using a garden claw to mix and press it down, but I only ever harvest a quarter of compost from the bottom of the bin. Should this be turned in some way? Would I be better off with two bins, transferring one to the other? Help!

[bustertom]

Hi Florence, I would definitely recommend two bins. I've tried using one bin and have finally decided to go for a second. My first is composting down nicely, and I am using a large builders bag for my second one which is doing OK.

Clare

[NOG]

You should have two bins and turn one into the other. This will airate the contents and speed up the process.

But what most of us do. is to have more than one bin. Fill one when is full start filling the next....when the second is full the first should be ready.

I would not "press it down" but let it reduce at its own time.

Good compost takes about a year to make.

[Florence Fennel]

You should have two bins and turn one into the other. This will airate the contents and speed up the process.

But what most of us do. is to have more than one bin. Fill one when is full start filling the next....when the second is full the first should be ready.

I would not "press it down" but let it reduce at its own time.

Good compost takes about a year to make.

I assume you have "open" bins that can be turned, but with "dalek" bins, how do you turn one into the other? Would I have to lift the bin off and relocate it then refill it?

[Two_Sheds]

with "dalek" bins, how do you turn one into the other? Would I have to lift the bin off and relocate it then refill it?

yes, exactly that.
Trying to dig the contents out the bottom flap never works.

[Florence Fennel]

yes, exactly that.
Trying to dig the contents out the bottom flap never works.

Thanks TS, that's this week's project then. I don't know how on earth I am going to lift the bin off, I'll have to try and recruit some helpers!

[IgglePiggle]

Thanks TS, that's this week's project then. I don't know how on earth I am going to lift the bin off, I'll have to try and recruit some helpers!

They lift off really easy! I just take mine off and put all the contents into the council garden waste bags and a metal bin, then I put the compost bin back in place and put all the stuff back in. But the stuff that was at the top goes in first, so you end up with the really old stuff at the top

[Florence Fennel]

They lift off really easy! I just take mine off and put all the contents into the council garden waste bags and a metal bin, then I put the compost bin back in place and put all the stuff back in. But the stuff that was at the top goes in first, so you end up with the really old stuff at the top

Thanks IgglePiggle, I'll give it a go this week. I have been thinking about re-siting the bin so that I can extend my beds (I think when I plonked it there about 4 years ago I hadn't realised how much I would be hooked by the gyo bug!) More and more of the lawn is disappearing - not that my OH is concerned, he says there is less of it to cut!