compost

[sewelltoto]

HELLO THERE
im new to this site can you help?
having recently moved home i have got my patch up and running and have just built my first compost heap using pallents reclaimed from a local industrial unit. i was wondering what do you all think are the best things to put on the heap. should i be buying worms for it or digging for them etc any help would be accepted thankyou

[nick the grief]

Hi Sewell, I wouldn't bother, they'll soon finde your heap.

As to what to put in, no processed or cooked foods ( cheese, meat etc) it will encourage rats. but you can put in all your veg trimings, fruit cores, eggshell, tea bags & coffee grounds ( if you do filter coffee) You can put annual weeds in as well but I'd leave them to wilt & dry out for a couple of days before adding them.

If you put grass cuttings in as something like shreaded paper to soak up hte moisture a bit. Every so oftern add a sprikle of lime, it helps to keep th ePH balanced and finally, don't waste money on activator - pee in it instead it's really good as it is hi in ammonia ( nitrogen )so helps to break things down.

Welcome to the vine

[rustylady]

Just make sure your heap is on soil, not concrete or tarmac. If on soil the worms will find their own way in. Nick, I agree about the pee, I'm just jealous that you guys can do it so easily - you just stand there pretending to admire the view and hey presto your compost heap is activated!! Us girls have to use a bucket, find somewhere private to use it, and then tip it on the heap. S'not fair

[denise]

Girls wee is no good for the compost it actually slows it done - all down to hormones again. Boys wee activates which is maybe they have been fitted with equipment to add it with ease.

[Flummery]

What about girls too old to have hormones?