Turning compost in a compost bin.

[Scoot]

Got myself 2 compost bins now. One is 3/4's full of leaves that i collected int he autumn and the other is 3/4's full of kitchen scraps and all the other ingredients you need to make compost.

Was just wondering though, how on earth are you meant to turn the compost? I've been sticking the handle of my hoe in as deep as i can and sort of moving it around in a circle sort of mixing things up, but it just doesn't seem enough to be honest.

How do you lovely lot turn your compost in your composters?

[bario1]

With the best tool ever invented!

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dolmen-Comp...compost+turner

Works really well, though you need to stand on something to get it in (unless you're 6'8).

[Potstubsdustbins]

Being idle I use one of these a compost aerator, the bottom flaps fold up as you push it in and then drop down as you pull it back out.

[Stan79]

I just pull the front panel off one pallet bin and transfer it from one into the other... hard work but only have to do it occasionally and the compost is amazing!!! The front panels are just connected to the two side pallets with a screw at the top on each side.

[roitelet]

Get another bin then you can turn the scrap one into it.

[Bren In Pots]

Get another bin then you can turn the scrap one into it.

That's what I do, but if you've not got a spare bin its easy enough to lift the bin away from the compost by levering a spade all the way around the base to loosen it. Then you move it to a new site a few feet. it doesn't take long with a fork to put the contents back in.

[Philthy]

Same here. Prize the dalek off, shovel the contents clear, replace the dalek, and then put the contents back in with the freshest stuff in first so it breaks down that bit quicker. I turn mine once a year on average, sometimes twice. I save all the teabags from work now and they go in - about 40 extra teabags a week - and the bin is always teeming with critters so it must be a good balance in there. The crumbly goodness that comes out the hatch at the bottom, forms the base layer in the black pots my chilli plants go into in the spring. About 4" depth.

[Bigmallly]

Push a fork in & twist.

[Stan79]

Push a fork in & twist.

Isn't that for spaghetti?

[Bigmallly]

You've got it Stan, same principle.................

[Scoot]

Same here. Prize the dalek off, shovel the contents clear, replace the dalek, and then put the contents back in with the freshest stuff in first so it breaks down that bit quicker. I turn mine once a year on average, sometimes twice. I save all the teabags from work now and they go in - about 40 extra teabags a week - and the bin is always teeming with critters so it must be a good balance in there. The crumbly goodness that comes out the hatch at the bottom, forms the base layer in the black pots my chilli plants go into in the spring. About 4" depth.

Think this is what I'll do tomorrow. Cheers everyone.

[Losos]

I note this thread ran out of steam in April but would like to resurect it by asking:-

Has anyone got one of those tumbler rotating type composter things with a handle which you are meant to turn a few times every day :?: They seem to cost a bit, even the small ones are about £300 but if you are getting on a bit they eliminate all the sweat and back ache which the Dalek type bins seem to involve.

If I was sure they worked 100% as the adverts say I might (just possibly) consider buying one but if they are no better than the Daleks I won't bother.

Hoping someone on this forum has one and can give an unbiased report.

[veggiechicken]

Here's an old thread - I'm sure there are more http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...ney_58557.html

[SusieG]

I think patience is key Losos.....
I'm not using daleks at the mo ~ I've got two large wooden boxes that the front pieces can be taken off to lower the frontage...
I've had some super results from this. I don't really do anything to them, apart from keep filling them up with grass cuttings, shredded paper, kitchen scraps, shredded woody stuff etc. Just make sure if it gets too dry to add water, or if it gets a bit too wet, add more shredded paper.

I leave the one box full to do its stuff, whilst adding fresh to the other.

I used daleks in my other garden before we moved, and never bothered 'turning' them - just opened the bottom 'door' to remove compost when 'ready' .... it worked for me.
I think if you need a quick turnaround for your compost, then the expensive compost tumblers look a good buy ...... (don't know how much you'd have to produce before it paid for itself though..!!!)

[Losos]

Here's an old thread - I'm sure there are more http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...ney_58557.html

Thanks, I will have a quick look now and come back tomorrow for detailed scan