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Post by Ausprep on Nov 5, 2013 19:06:55 GMT 10
Howdy Members! So...i picked up this compost bin form the road side collections. Ive had it about 2 - 3 months but never done anything with it. How do i start a compost bin? What do i put in first? Is there things i SHOULDN'T add to it? How often do i turn it? Any general tips or tricks to doing this? Remember...Novice gardener   |
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overlord
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Post by overlord on Nov 6, 2013 12:02:20 GMT 10
I have never used a compost bin but we do have a compost heap in the farm.
anything that is biodegradable (preferably not processed like paper). Old food, leaves, etc.
In our case, we cover it with banana leaves/coconut fronds and a GI sheet to let nature take its course
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remnantprep
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Post by remnantprep on Nov 6, 2013 14:10:54 GMT 10
DOnt put meat in it!
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shinester
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Post by shinester on Nov 9, 2013 23:02:35 GMT 10
You can put anything organic in it. The reason not to put meat in it is because you will attract rodents and flies. It's not a good idea to put weeds in there only because they might put seeds in your compost. Some suggested items are egg shells, the cardboard they come in, shredded paper, food scraps, leaves, lawn clippings. You can throw a little lime in there if you like, though I've never bothered. Once it's full let it sit for a while to let the top break down and get another bin. Alternatively you can lift the bin, scoop up the top layers that haven't decomposed and dump them into the now empty bin. Mix your compost into garden beds, it's an excellent organic fertilizer that improves your soil quality.
If you have a fireplace throw in your ashes into the compost too or straight onto the bed, [or turn it into lye so you can make soap lol] as ashes are high in potassium [pot-ash for where it gets its name] which is essential for fruit/flowers/vegetables]. It can be depleted over time especially true if you've got a veggie patch.
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kenna
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Post by kenna on Nov 13, 2013 21:33:31 GMT 10
Compost piles need air, water, nitrogen and carbon or they get stinky and don't break down properly.
If you can insert a piece of PVC pipe (with air holes drilled into it to increase air flow)into the top of the pile you will have a better product quicker!)Try and keep the green waste material balanced with the brown stuff (ie kitchen waste covered by an equal amount of dried leaves etc). Green kitchen waste, weeds and beastie poo are rich in nitrogen and by having the same amount of carbon (shredded paper, cardboard, dry leaves etc) in your pile along with a decent amount of water to thoroughly dampen the contents of your bin plus air exposure to the centre via the pipe, then the pile will heat up and decompose quicker. It is a good idea if you can add some soil in between the layers to "boost" things along too. Don't pack the compost stuff in - loose layers are better.
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Jason
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Post by Jason on Jan 25, 2014 17:54:26 GMT 10
How do i start a compost bin? What do i put in first? Is there things i SHOULDN'T add to it? How often do i turn it? Any general tips or tricks to doing this?  |
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