Compost bin is composting after all

[Claire72]

turned it about today with the fork, and it is breaking down after all. Still really dry, so have given it another really good water. (Nearly emptied the paddling pool now!!!)
No sign of any worms though

[zazen999]

Claire - can you get a few worms from the garden and lob them in the compost bin? That's what we do when starting a new heap/empty bin off.

[Claire72]

Just normal garden worms? Thought they had to be tiger worms? Will they be ok just on top?

[zazen999]

They will be fine - honestly! just pop them in and they will start chomping through it all. usually, they come up through the soil but if you haven't got any - any worms will do! We start alot of ours off in green plastic dustbins and pop some worms in, and when it gets to the actual composter it is halfway there already.

[Claire72]

Will go out a worm-hunting tomorrow after work
Thanks

[rustylady]

Keep turning it, and keep it moist (not soaking wet). Now the temperatures are getting higher it will soon start to cook properly. Any wildlife such as worms, slugs, snails, woodlice will help the contents break down into proper compost.

[Claire72]

Need to take a few layers out this weekend and pour in more water, I opened the door at the bottom and it is very dry, but the water is leaking out the side slats when I pour it in the top.
getting a bit fixated on my compost bin just now even chopped up some left over leek leaves for it today

[ClayGarden]

Cant you dig a little hole in the middle claire and water that, that will have to leak from centre out then. Also if you then turn it over the moisture will all be mixed in too.

Also totally agree with rustylady, i've "built" (ok have) my wood pile next to my compost bin, and it think the little woodlice and beetles move between the two. And the spiders love it around there, they keep the flies under control. And my compost "area" is the only place slugs and snails survive (ie, without my intervention of death imposed).

Is it sad to say i love my compost?

[leicestershirelass]

We used some compost from our bin and noticed it had lots of ants in it - can anyone please tell me if this is normal?

[ClayGarden]

We used some compost from our bin and noticed it had lots of ants in it - can anyone please tell me if this is normal?

its not a problem, but i think it means it could be too dry.

[leicestershirelass]

Hi Claygarden, thanks for tip. Yes it did seem a bit dry and compacted. Have just been reading other posts about composting and picked up some good advice.