'Recycle for Kent'
Compost questions
- Why do I have ants/slugs/snails in my compost?
- Should my compost get hot?
- How much compost will I produce?
- How do I get the compost out of the bin?
- How can I encourage decomposition?
- Do I need to add worms?
- How can I deter vermin?
Why do I have ants/slugs/flies in my compost bin and how can I get rid of them?
Bacteria, fungi and other creatures all play a part in the composting process as decomposition is undertaken by living things. If you do have unwanted creatures in your compost bin, DO NOT add anti-pest substances as this could adversely affect the organisms that do all the work.
FLIES: These are likely to be small fruit flies and their numbers can be reduced by covering your top layer with grass, soil or damp paper. Leaving the lid off slightly will encourage them to disperse and reduce the 'blast' of them when you open the lid. If you have house flies or bluebottles then you may have put meat/fish into the compost. This should be removed and avoided.
ANTS: Ants prefer dry conditions so can indicate that your compost needs some more water. They are not harmful and can be moved on by regularly disturbing the nest.
SLUGS and SNAILS: They prefer decomposing material and should not cause a problem. Atleast they'll be off your garden!
Should my compost get hot and how can I encourage it?
Heat is not essential for most materials to decompose. Due to the size of the bins and the quantity of media, they rarely reach high temperatures. This just means the process takes a little bit longer and is called 'Cool Composting.'
How much compost will I produce?
It depends on how much and what you put in the bin but it tends to be buckets rather than barrow loads. Most of the materials you put in will have a high water content which will drain away, unless you use soft 'brown' materials to soak this up and produce more compost.
How do I get the compost out of the bin?
Most plastic bins have a door at the bottom from where the compost can be shovelled out. If you are using another bin design then it's easiest to remove the top material on to a plastic sheet. Generally the bottom half is good useable compost. When you have removed the composted matter, place the top layer back in the bin to continue the process.
How can I encourage decomposition?
The main aim should be to vary the material you put in to the compost bin and ensure you have a good mix of green and brown stuff. Make sure the compost has a suitable water content and is adequately aeriated. Composters have found that urine is excellent at activating the process. Twiggy material will take longer to break down but in the meantime will help provide a good structure. A large twig can go round and round the compost process for 3 or more years but that's fine, just throw it back in. Using a shredder to cut up larger pieces will reduce their composting time, as bacteria can get in through the scores and not just at either end. The warm summer months are when your compost will be most active, therefore starting a bin in late winter will take advantage of this boost.
No, worms will find their own way in to your compost bin but placing it on bare soil will help them. Generally they will be red worms or "tiger" (brandling) worms as these can cope with a variety of conditions. If you want to kick-start the decomposition, you can buy some worms (available at angling shops) but they don't like too much heat, so will not be required for the initial stages of decomposition when the bacteria get to work!
The bin itself should not attract vermin as there is generally little heat produced within it. If there are rats in the area, place the bin on concrete flagstones leaving a small gap to allow worms to get in and water to drain out. Wire netting around the lower part of the bin may also help.
So now you know the answers, why not become a Compost Advisor?
