compost question

[queen of the cobs]

I'm worrying about my compost - not much seems to be happening and I'm a bit worried that I've got too much of one element (in this case, grass clippings) in it.

I take all my kitchen waste (non-cooked of course), but as there are only 2 of us, there's not a great deal. I've also added a bit of horse manure from time to time, and a bit of old potting compost when I've potted things on.

It seems rather dry and doesn't seem to be changing at all. I've made my own composter from pallets and I wonder if too much air is getting in and it's not getting warm enough? I'm thinking of nailing black plastic to the sides of it to try and raise the temp slightly - is this a good idea?

very grateful for all advice.

[Cutecumber]

I suggest watering it if it's too dry and adding some seaweed meal or washed seaweed from the beach. This helps "activate" the micro-bugs that do the work. Give it a stir if you are physically able to do so - it is hard work!

Don't worry too much, as the weather warms up most heaps get going well on their own.

[queen of the cobs]

thanks for this - I've added a little of my horse manure tea in an attempt to get it going.

[TEB]

To counteract the grass clippings which will make it sludgy and smelly then you need woody type ingredients, can you shred paper/cardboard and add this, also (in a ideal world) it needs to be turned once a fortnight and some water adding (wee is good as well). I would put the cover on top of the heap to keep and generate heat - try to keep away from plastic as it doesn't allow the heap to breathe - old carpet is good.

[Smuff]

Hi,
In my experience, it does take a while to get going and the more material you have in the compost heap seems to increase the rate of decomposition.
Turning it regularly (especially if you have lots of grass) and keeping it wet helps too.

[Snadger]

You can activate it by peeing on it! The bit of ammonia in pee should give it a Nitro kick. If you don't want to pee on it you can use Garotta or if you aint worried about being organic,a dresimg of Sulphate of Ammonia!

[The Doctor]

My young son thought I was joking and going to tell him off when he told me he needed a pee, and I said he should go in a pot so we could throw it on the compost heap!

My plot neighbour lets me use his shed, and eventually my son got so desperate I told him to go in there and do it. Then I tipped it on the compost and he was much happier after that!

A bit of father/son bonding I suppose you could call it!

[Digger-07]

When My neighbour on the plot told his son to pee on the compost he stood on the shed roof because he (quote) "couldn't get high enough from the path"

[queen of the cobs]

I've heard that newspaper is better than other paper - is this true?

[TEB]

I read here that the finacial times uses the friendliest ink compared to other newspapers, i use any paper bar glossy magazines - dont know if this is right or not but.............