How is my compost doing?

[janeyo]

Hi I inherited a compost bin when we moved in January and it was full of slimy stinky half rotted grass clippings and nothing else. I have never made compost before.

I painstakingly emptied it, mixed it all with 'brown' and moved it to a sunny position. That was about 8 weeks ago. Since then the smell is better and it has reduced in volume by about half. The bin was full 8 weeks ago.

My question is, is it actually making compost now or is there anything else I need to do? Does it still need more bown for example. Idon't want it to be still how it is now in a year's time if I can imprrove it again.

I have attached pics so you can hopefully see what's going on in there!

Thanks, janeyo

[ClayGarden]

That compost looks ace, though still a bit slushy. Middle stage level i reckon, and i'd dig that into my bed right now with out plantage.

[Two_Sheds]

I'd rip or shred some newspaper and mix that in with it. Tip it all out, mix it up then put it back in the bin.

You can tell by the texture when it's ready to use: crumbly, and you shouldn't be able to tell what went in it in the first place. No smell either.

[jackie j]

I have bought some J.Arthur Bower's Garotta compost maker which is supposed to speed up the natural composting process. Has anyone else used this.

[Flummery]

Ages ago yes. I now have 3 compost bins so by the time I work my way around them they are all pretty well rotted. If you're growing climbing beans of any kind, the compost as it now is will be wonderful in a trench beneath them. It will give nutrients and conserve water.

[janeyo]

Thanks, I do think it is doing something and well improved from what it was like (yuk). I have a whole sack of shredded paper ready for the chooks so will mix it in.

Cheers guys, helpful as ever

janeyo

[Two_Sheds]

I have bought some J.Arthur Bower's Garotta compost maker which is supposed to speed up the natural composting process.

Don't waste your money. Just use pee or comfrey.