The Forum

RE: composting?

Posted 970 days ago

you know when it is ready when you see good rich black soil and no food scraps remaining. Usually you should put some mud in side for worms then add a layer of food scraps, old newspaper, grass then another layer of food scraps and repeat.

air-rate the soil every three- 4 weeks. and it should be fine.
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No gardener is really good before he has killed one or two plants.

RE: composting?

Posted 969 days ago

thank-you very much dragonace, thankfully i have done that so far :)that's very helpful... is there anything from kitchen scraps i should not pop in? apart from meats of course, i've heard brown onion skins are no good?
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plant a seed, start a life

RE: composting?

Posted 964 days ago

i don't know about brown onion skins i chuck what ever greens we have. but i know egg shells are also good. really if you have a good balance your compost you should be fine
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No gardener is really good before he has killed one or two plants.

RE: composting?

Posted 963 days ago

Don't put too much grass clippings in as they can turn slimy and I believe you shouldn't add any dairy foods.I also add some fire ash in winter, some fertiliser and turn it over every couple of days.
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RE: composting?

Posted 957 days ago

If your compost is too dry - then add more green leaves, old vegies leaves like cabbage, lawn clippings etc.

If it is too wet, then add shredded paper, old egg cartons,etc. I get cheaper potting mixes and add some of this as well.

Good idea to have two composting bins - filling one and leaving the other to rot. When the soil is nice and black then spread it around the garden. Amazing stuff.

Have heard that you shouldn't put in the onions and orange skins, but gardening programs have stated that they are fine. I stick everything in and the soil is just great.
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Of all the wonderful surprises in life, none is better than seeing that first shoot tear out of the earth and form into a wonderful plant and vegetable.. .

thanks for all the help!

Posted 950 days ago

thanks a lot everyone, i have used all the advice given and now, so i've been told, i have a beautiful compost going. I work at a fruit & veg store so have been collecting lots of goodies to give it a boost, thanks again
all so very helpful. :)
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plant a seed, start a life

RE: composting?

Posted 946 days ago

---Cosgrove--- as they can turn slimy

they will only go slimy if a lot of water is added or not enough aeration though the compost.

RE: composting?

Posted 945 days ago

For best results in any compost its all in the diversity, airation, moisture and "aliveness".

We prepare and finish up with over 14 cubic metres of compost in 4 weeks. The same applies to small compost systems.

woodshavings
grass clipping
small twigs
fern/palm fronds
newspaper
cardboard shredded
plant leaves
fruit and veg
Hay
manures

These are all carbon/nitrogen mixes and make great compost items.

The secret to good compost is the "activators"
The items that attract, breed and assist microbial activity.

*Dairy leftovers - Best results are with yoghurt due to already containing high culture levels.
*Eggs, rotten or shells
*Yarrow/Tansy/Comfrey - The best 3 green activators that you can grow to assist compost.
*There are compost boosters on the market if you want to spend $$$.

Remember compost should smell sweet and crumble like good humus should.

Anyone interested in further informatino feel free to contact me.
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Zarra Ridge *Nursery*Produce*Poultry* \\\"Sustainable agriculture solutions\\\"

RE: composting?

Posted 941 days ago

What can I do to eradicate ants from my compost?

RE: composting?

Posted 941 days ago

sum chicken poo works well in ours.
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a smile is 4 free!

RE: composting?

Posted 936 days ago

Some coffee beans/grind work extremely well.


From Sean

RE: composting?

Posted 935 days ago

tried to air rate the soil and keep it moist?
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No gardener is really good before he has killed one or two plants.

RE: composting?

Posted 929 days ago

Coffee grounds are great to get rid of snails - seems to overdose them?
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Of all the wonderful surprises in life, none is better than seeing that first shoot tear out of the earth and form into a wonderful plant and vegetable.. .

RE: composting?

Posted 927 days ago

snails wont hang around composts unless you grow your vegetables there......lol....
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No gardener is really good before he has killed one or two plants.