How long does the goodness stay in compost?

[Jo Sara]

I wasn't quite sure where to post this question.

I've got one of those daleks for making compost. It was one of the free ones that the council were giving away a few years ago. Realistically it's way too big for the amount of waste from my tiny garden and the veg peelings we create. Which is why it's taken about 2 years to get anything resembling compost in the bottom of it.

Lately, though, I've noticed the grass around the bin getting very lush. So I was wondering, how long can compost stay in the bin before it starts losing it's goodness into the soil around the bin? If I empty it I'll have another 2 years to build up to useable compost again. What I'd like to do is leave what's in there as it's obviously enough to get the heat going, add to it, and use it sparingly so I can keep getting a steady supply. I know you shouldn't use last year's bought multi-purpose. Is it the same with homemade?

[pipscariad]

Home made compost doesn't lose its goodness, you will be fine to just keep adding to it. If you stir it all up on a fairly regular basis the new stuff you add will turn into usable compost a lot faster - although I have to say that I don't do this much!

There are lots of expert compost makers on here, so you can be sure of good advice - have a look at the section all about it called Digging Around as well, there's lots of good info there.

[Jo Sara]

Oops. That's where I should have posted this. I didn't see that bit of the forum. I had a good look down the sections too, not sure how I missed it.

Thanks, pipscariad.