Remains of sieved compost...

[Veggiemama]

Last year i made 2 raised beds for my carrots and parsnips (about 2x1mtre, 40cm deep)
I had great success, so this year i made 2 more. I had sieved old compost into each ( Ihave a lot of compost from over the years) I sieved A LOT of compost. I am left with all the twigs and things i have sieved out.

I as yet, do not have a compost bin. I am planning to make one and have the space for it, but with 2 young boys, one disabled, i still havent got round to it.

So, i want to do something with all the remains of the sieved compost. Will this compost down if i were to make a composting area on the ground? At the minute it is in old compost bags....lots of them.

Any advice on what to do and how to do it, will be much appreciated.

[Penellype]

A pile on the ground is better than leaving it in plastic bags which keep out the air and make it "sweat". If you can mix in some grass cuttings or green material (eg weeds) it will rot down faster. If you don't have any sides to the compost pile you will find the edges don't rot down but you can probably help it along by covering the pile with some old cardboard (weighted down so it doesn't blow away) and mixing it up occasionally.

[Deano's "Diggin It"]

I use my sieved bits as crocks in bottom of pots to aid with drainage, one use for it anyway!

[Veggiemama]

I use my sieved bits as crocks in bottom of pots to aid with drainage, one use for it anyway!

:-) Good idea, but i have too much of them for that.

Penellype, I have extra wood, so, if i cleared the ground of grass etc, and made an edge (like a mini raised bed), would that do to get it started?

[Deano's "Diggin It"]

Not wanting to steal Penellype's thunder VM!

But yes it would! but if your gunna go to that extent, then I would suggest you put in 5 to 6ft posts in all four corners buried 18" to 2ft under ground and add the "Side Lat's" as and when you have time, that way your compost bin is almost done!

[Bigmallly]

Or nail 3 pallets together & have sliding slats on the front.

[Penellype]

Not wanting to steal Penellype's thunder VM!

But yes it would! but if your gunna go to that extent, then I would suggest you put in 5 to 6ft posts in all four corners buried 18" to 2ft under ground and add the "Side Lat's" as and when you have time, that way your compost bin is almost done!

No problem at all - I had to go out for the day anyway.

I absolutely agree that if you are going to build anything, building something that you can convert into a proper bin later would be a good idea. You could probably get away without clearing the grass etc by covering it with a thick layer of cardboard and putting the compost on top of that.

[Veggiemama]

Thanks guys.
I do have pallets and plenty of wood. Mr veggiemama isnt too good at any DIY. I made my raised beds myself (totally impressed him ;-) ) He does help with the heavy lifty etc.

Time and confidence are my main problems i think. Its good to know that i wont have to clear the grass, this will speed it all up in making it. Ii will let you know how it goes.

thanks again