Forum home› Problem solving

Compost ready?

JoeXJoeX Posts: 1,783
in Problem solving
I started a proper heap last summer based on advice here, and I’ve decided to move my old compost from its green plastic home which has been doing nothing for three or four years.

my question is, is the bottom layer ready if I want to mulch my raised beds now?

Cheers tp.


«1

Posts

  • FireFire Posts: 17,116
    I would imagine if your compost heap has not done anything for four years it is very dry. The bottom looks good to me, but dry. You might want to try chopping up the leaves small and adding a loads of greens to your pile.
  • TopbirdTopbird Posts: 7,712
    I think you can use the bottom third of that heap  - maybe a little more when you cut into the middle. Well done :) - I love making compost :)
    Maybe give the top stuff a bit of a water - it looks a little dry.
    Heaven is ... sitting in the garden with a G&T and a cat while watching the sun go down
  • JoeXJoeX Posts: 1,783
    Yes, very dry.

    As I dug into it I realised a lot of it is still matts of grass, so I’ve moved it all on to the new compost.

    I did spot an amount of orange fungus, so I’m assuming that’s the stuff that break it down and may help the new compost.

    Ive got a bucket of rain water I’ll tip in, and try to keep it all damp in future.

    Cheers!
  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 33,750
    if you have a discreet spot in the garden, you can leave a bucket and gentlemen can , erm, fill it up for you. Makes a wonderful accelerator for compost.
    If you can run the mower over leaves before adding them, that helps too.
    Devon.
  • JoeXJoeX Posts: 1,783
    edited March 2018
    I don’t mind the smell of compost, but wee may make the seating area next to it a tad unpleasant!
  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 33,750
    once it's in the compost , it doesn't smell.
    Devon.
  • StevedaylillyStevedaylilly Posts: 1,087

    if you have a discreet spot in the garden, you can leave a bucket and gentlemen can , erm, fill it up for you. Makes a wonderful accelerator for compost.
    If you can run the mower over leaves before adding them, that helps too.
    Hi Hostafan
    Well,  I never knew that. They say you should learn sonme thing new everday to keep the mind alert . Lucky my garden is quite enclosed so I will give it a shot - pardon the pun 😀

  • plant pauperplant pauper Posts: 6,234
    When ordered to "help in these matters" my ex had to take the watering can to the bathroom for the first couple of times...  :D:D:D:D Sissy!!!!
    Now I just use the soaked doings from when I clean out the guinea pig.  o:)
  • Mary370Mary370 Posts: 2,003
     :p I didn't realise 'that' either..........must get onto other half to assist in the compost making LOL
  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 33,750
    tee hee , methinks I've started a wee revolution.
    Devon.
Sign In or Register to comment.