Best way to store and reuse compost

[noviceveggrower]

Hi,
I know that several vine members store and reuse their compost. So my dad was clearing his shed out and has given me his old plastic dustbin. So can I use it to store my old compost ready to reuse it.
So I was wondering what's the best way to store/ reuse compost?
Is it best to put it away dry or can I empty tubs in the bin when the compost is wet?
What is the best to put in it FBF ,growmore or just leave it until needed?

Thanks

[Martin H]

I keep mine in old compost bags. I just empty the stuff in as it comes, usually dry and with bits of root in.

When I come to reuse it, I run it through a seive to break up any lumps and get the roots out. I incorporate anything else needed, e.g. sand or BFB, at the same time I seive it. If I'm going to pot stuff up then I moisten it before use.

[Aberdeenplotter]

I don't keep my old compost for re-use in pots. What doesn't go in to the bottom of my pea and bean trenches to help retain moisture gets scattered into the compost bin where it improves the quality of what comes out of there later in the year.

[Potstubsdustbins]

I am a great believer in storing and reusing compost, I have to otherwise growing in containers it would cost me a fortune. I also have 2 daleks on the go, the outcome is I buy very little compost except for seed cutting.

Most about 960ltrs is stored in my potato bins I just empty it in as comes and pop the lid on till spring that way if we get a few good frosts it helps kill the bugs. Come spring it is riddled and sweetened any 8-8-8 fertiliser will do the job.

Couple of points Even if you put the lid on I would still put some drainage holes in the bottom of the bin this will stop the bottom half becoming muddy slime and I never save compost if I have had a problem, its just asking for trouble the next season.

[Bal]

How much BFB should I put in? Never know how to calculate it

[Potstubsdustbins]

Neither do I to be honest, but I have been using the same method for a number of years and it seems to work for me.

It is highly technical though............ I mix in a 35ltr trug and .................sling a handful in.