For years, it seems, we've been tipping kitchen waste into our two compost bins, but very little compost has emerged. This has mostly been because of lack of time to empty them out. I have wondered if
the bins have Tardis-like properties.
At last on Sunday we got round to emptying one of the bins and relocating it round to the shady side of the shed. The spot where we plonked the bins when we took on the plot turns out to be the corner which gets the last of the afternoon sun once the rest of the plot is in shade. Far too valuable to waste on compost!
The contents have composted down nicely, except for the supposedly compostable bin liners. These resembled nothing more than supermarket carrier bags, even after several years. I've resolved not to waste any more money on them, but to line the kitchen waste bin with newspaper instead.
When it came to spreading the compost over freshly dug beds, I discovered that a lot of compost goes a little way. Still, it feels good to have fed the soil more than we've been able to do so far.
.jpg)
11 comments:
It's good to see someone else's compost. Really. Composting is tricky here in the desert. My first compost pile attracted so many cockroaches, I had to wear tall boots just to imagine approaching it. Now we have an enclosed barrel thing on a stand which works very well. It's made of thick black plastic, so we have to locate it where it won't get too hot - not a problem for you, I'm sure. However, as long as we keep the contents damp, in the shade, and cranked over every week or so, it works quite well. It's so nice, as you say, to have some means for improving the soil.
Black gold, and you did it yourself! We do the same, and with about the same results but still, every bit helps.
Now you see - if that was me I would have taken a photo of the non-composted bins and asked the manufacturer or retailer to explain!!!
Now I have had the opposite experience: I have stored something away wrapped in a plastic bag, without realising it is one of those biodegradeable ones, only to find some months later that the bag had completely disintegrated and turned to dust. Never had a problem with making good compost though!
I have never been a successful composter. I watch shows that tell me to layer all the food waste and green things but I just don't get the process to work.
Hello Linda. You've managed to make compost look beautiful. I imagine most gardeners find it attractive.
Hope you've been well.
Your compost turned out well. The council accidently emptied my two years worth of compost making into their rubbish truck. I was so annoyed.
Great compost, like you i put it in for years but I never seem to have 'crumbly' compost in the time I am supposed to have it. The whole process seems to take longer than they say, maybe our climate has a lot to do with it?
Hi Linda, just popping over to wish you a 'Happy New Year'! I hope 2013 is a delight! Cheers, Jenni
Post a Comment